Declaring Racism as a Public Health Crisis

There is a growing number of states and local jurisdictions declaring racism as a public health issue. What do these declarations mean and how are they helpful in advancing racial equity? How ready is the discipline/field of Public Health to actively respond to declarations? We will explore these compelling questions and more in this webinar. We will hear from Dr. Renée Canady, CEO and Jannah Bierens, Health Equity Consultant each from the Michigan Institute of Public Health. Both are leading efforts nationally to encourage and support jurisdictions considering declarations.

Then, we will hear from Jennifer Harris, a Research and Program Manager at Milwaukee County Government. In 2019, Milwaukee County passed a resolution declaring racism as a public health issue. Jennifer will share how the county has turned the resolution into actions that are making a difference in addressing longstanding racial disparities.

This webinar is the first in a two-part series called Advancing Racial Equity, co-produced by County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health. The next webinar in this series, Transforming Narratives to Create Racial and Health Equity, will air on June 16th. If you are a community health practitioner, resident, or decision maker with an interest in achieving equity in your community, we encourage you to register for each of the webinars in the series.

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps will host a one-hour interactive virtual discussion at 4pm ET, immediately following each webinar in this series. We encourage you to participate in an engaging dialogue with peers across the country to share your experiences with racial equity. Mark your calendars and plan to stay as long as you're able!