The Association of Black Cardiologists is advocating for increased vaccine access to Black communities that have suffered disproportionately at the hands of COVID-19. | Pixabay
The Association of Black Cardiologists is advocating for increased vaccine access to Black communities that have suffered disproportionately at the hands of COVID-19. | Pixabay
Members of the Association of Black Cardiologists have championed the cause of providing access to the COVID-19 vaccine to those who have been hardest hit in the pandemic — people of color.
PR Newswire reported as the nation reached an unthinkable 400,000 deaths to the pandemic, Black Americans are 3.7 times more likely than whites to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and 2.7 times more likely to die. Facts indicate Blacks and other people of color are not any more susceptible than others to COVID-19. There are other factors in play that include disparities in health coverage. There is a disproportionate number of Black people working in professions that work in jobs that carry a higher exposure to COVID-19. Other factors include crowded housing, poverty and education.
Despite the challenges the Black community faces, it is currently receiving vaccinations of a rate that is three to five times lower than white communities.
That is where the Association of Black Cardiologists step into play.
The association, which has played a key role in vaccine development, is advocating for greater access for minority communities in addition to working on the behalf of other health issues. The ABC’s Cardiovascular Implementation Study is utilizing innovative approaches to develop data while working with a number of groups that include the National Institutes of Health, ABC community health advocates and other strategic partners in promoting the effectiveness of the vaccine and therapies. Long-term effects are also being monitored.
Equitable vaccination programs are also supported as well as a comprehensive science-based health approach that includes tested methods such as washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing.
“We have a sacred obligation to take care of each other to the best of our ability using available knowledge,” Dr. Michelle Albert, University of California, San Francisco; president, Association of Black Cardiologists, said. “For me, that means ensuring that we put the brakes on the ravages of this pandemic on my family and other people of color, especially black and brown folks as well as other disadvantaged persons, hence taking the vaccine is a no-brainer for me.”
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