Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
Supervisor Warren Slocum, District 4
Subject: Resolution Condemning Racism and Injustice, Declaring Racism as a Public Health Crisis and Affirming Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution condemning racism and injustice, declaring racism as a public health crisis, and affirming commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
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BACKGROUND:
Institutional and structural racism and injustice have led to racial disparities across all sectors in our nation. San Mateo County is not exempt from such claim, so it is essential for local officials to acknowledge racism within the county.
DISCUSSION:
By acknowledging racism, we accept how studies link racism to unfavorable health outcomes. We further accept how we, as a county, can promote strong communities, violence prevention, and healthy communities relating to the health of individuals and encourage public health networks that would decrease racial disparities in health outcomes. Public health categories include strong communities, violence prevention, rural health, technology, public health, climate change, and global health. Promoting healthy communities relates to the health of individuals, and encourages public health networks that would decrease racial disparities in health outcomes.
Communities of color are disproportionally impacted by social detriments of health, such as: increased exposure to COVID-19, lead, poor air quality, lack of safe places to walk, bike, run, live, and inadequate health education. The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Emergency Physicians also have declared institutional racism an urgent public health issue in statements and vowed to eradicate racism and discrimination in health care.
A disproportionate num...
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