Racism is a public health crisis
The killing of George Floyd and the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has had on people of color are only the two latest examples of how structural racism can lead to devastating outcomes. Harvard Chan School stands together and is committed to helping fight this longstanding racism. The information and resources below highlight work from members of the Harvard Chan School community aimed at addressing racism and, ultimately, at helping shape a fairer, more just, and healthier world.
A Statement from Dean Michelle A. Williams
Sections:
In focus
Q&A: Turning the words ‘racism is a public health crisis’ into action
Q&A: COVID-19 pandemic highlights longstanding health inequities in U.S.
News
Better data needed around deaths in police custody
Two years after the killing of George Floyd by a police officer—and nearly 10 since the start of the Black Lives Matter movement—researchers are examining whether the ensuing protests and national conversation around racism and inequity have had…
Racism, sexism, social class, and health—30 years ago and today
Nancy Krieger reflects on the still-relevant themes of a paper for which she was first author three decades ago about racism, sexism, social class, and health.
Could breastfeeding explain disparities in sudden infant deaths?
Melissa Bartick, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an MPH student at Harvard Chan School, studied whether not breastfeeding could be one possible explanation for demographic disparities in sudden unexpected infant deaths.
Racial disparities in government responses to asthma-triggering housing conditions
In Boston, people of color and poorer people are more frequently exposed to unhealthy housing conditions that can trigger asthma, and the city is typically slower to address these problems than in whiter areas, according to a new…
Uncovering the health effects of the Great Migration
Cecilia Vu, PhD ’22, uses her quantitative skills to explore the health of African Americans who left the South during the 20th century.
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Op-eds
To tobacco companies, Black lives don’t matter
The COVID-19 pandemic shows why we must—and how we can—end racial injustice in health
Racism is a deadly virus, too: A public health defense of these mass protests
Racism is killing black people. It’s sickening them, too.
Protest, demand change — but, please, put on your mask
Protecting hungry children during the fight for racial justice
Events
Voices in Leadership During Crises: Michelle Williams & Jeffery Sánchez
Mental Health and Wellness for Students of Color: Transitioning to College
