On Thursday, February 4, Mayor Hancock held a panel that discussed the effects of the pandemic on the Latinx community and the current state of the virus in Denver and Colorado. Joined by public health experts, the virtual panel was streamed live on
Facebook and sought to give transparency to the process of vaccine rollout, as well as discuss the fear and distrust many people of color have about the medical community.
“As a city, we want to be intentional about the disproportionate impact of this pandemic on our communities of color, and address it head on. For many of us, our neighbors and families, this virus has been relentless. And, like many issues that plague our society, residents of color have been hit the hardest.” Hancock says.
The panel focused on the Latinx community in particular, which has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in Denver. Although only around 30 percent of Denver’s population is Hispanic, that community has made up almost half the number of total cases in Denver. There has also been a lopsided
vaccine rollout, with only 8 percent of the first doses going to the Latinx community and 78 percent going to white or non-Hispanic people.
“We can and must do better. We are approaching vaccine distribution much like we did covid testing, with a concerted effort to reach those that are left behind,” Hancock says of the numbers.
To achieve herd immunity, a population must have 70 to 90 percent of the population vaccinated. Compared to the national vaccine rollout, Denver has seen more people receive both doses required. In Denver, more than 3 percent of the population have received both doses compared to the just below two percent nationwide. Mayor Hancock stressed that although someone has received one dose or is fully vaccinated, they are still at risk of transferring the disease and must follow standard procedures to avoid the spread of the virus.
“We can not ignore the historical context that causes fear and the spread of misinformation throughout communities of color. Especially among our Latinx and Spanish-speaking communities.” Hancock said.
Nita Gonzales, M.ED., community activist and civil rights leader, joined Mayor Hancock on the panel, and they discussed the history of inequity in access to healthcare in regards to the Latinx community. She talked about the inequity of jobs, how there is a larger percentage of Latinx workers who are considered essential, and experience higher risk at their places of work.
Dr. Carlos Franco, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Center, also joined the panel to dispel some of the myths surrounding the vaccines. Speaking to those worried about the speed with which the vaccine was created, Franco ensured people that it went through rigorous clinical trials to ensure its safety.
“We do have life-saving vaccines. These vaccines are important to saving individuals but they are also important to reduce the transmission” Franco says. “For the Latino community, I would like to inform everyone, as a healthcare worker, as a physician, as a Latino physician, I believe in these vaccines.”
Colorado health officials have asked health providers to start targeting groups of color in response to the current disparity in those who are receiving vaccinations. Governor Jared Polis has also stated that equitable distribution of the vaccines is
among his highest priorities and has highlighted small vaccination efforts in diverse neighborhoods.
*Image Courtesy of Pixabay
