Help State of Michigan address health disparities by taking brief survey

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the existence of significant health disparities that greatly affect communities of color. According to state data, more than 40 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Michigan are African Americans, but only 14 percent of Michiganders are African Americans. 

Now, the State of Michigan is taking steps to address these disparities as health systems work to tackle one of the most important health-related issues of our lifetime. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently created the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities. The task force, chaired by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, will consist of leaders across state government, as well as health care professionals from communities most impacted by the spread of coronavirus.

David J. Brown, M.D., the organization’s associate vice president and associate dean for health equity and inclusion, has been named to the task force. He is one of 16 members who will provide the governor with recommendations on how to address this disparity as work is done to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our state.

In order to help Brown best represent Michigan Medicine on the task force, we ask that you complete this Qualtrics survey and share pertinent research and viewpoints on this important subject. The survey data will be used to help inform the dialogue at Michigan Medicine and throughout the state, as well as serve as a source for forming a Michigan Medicine Racial Disparities Advisory Committee and sub-committees that will guide this work.

The organization values your passion and expertise, and needs your insight now more than ever.

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the health disparities that have been spotlighted during this unprecedented time, are very unsettling. Michigan Medicine is committed to being a leader in addressing health disparities, and your voice will help us improve health care for all.