An ongoing conversation across the country and here on The Sound of Ideas, is the act of declaring racism 'a public health crisis'.
It's often seen as a noble first step to addressing systemic inequality through public policy and public health.
The City of Cleveland made that declaration in May of 2020; and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health shortly after that, in June. There has yet to be any movement at the state level, although bills have been introduced by several legislators.
But with many of those declarations being made across Northeast Ohio roughly a year ago, one may be tempted to ask 'what if anything, has changed'?
And to drill down another level into that question;with the fact that this area is home to three large healthcare institutions, shouldn't the Cleveland area be leading the way in improving the lives of minority populations?
As governments and health agencies declare racism as a public health crisis, Ideastream Public Media's Health team is looking to 'connect the dots' on how racism contributes to poor health outcomes in Northeast Ohio.
On today's program, we'll discuss the new project with Marlene Harris-Taylor, Manager of the Health Unit.
We'll also talk to local and national healthcare figures regarding what is being done at those healthcare institutions.
- Marlene Harris- Taylor, Managing Producer of Health, Ideastream Public Media
- Michellene Davis, President and CEO, National Medical Fellowships
- Susan Fuehrer, President at The Institute for Hope, MetroHealth Hospital
- Mahani Teave, Cleveland Institute of Music Graduate and music school founder
