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
Probing links between trauma and reproductive health harms
Early life trauma is an important and overlooked cause of adverse reproductive health outcomes in women such as endometriosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and infertility, according to a recent investigation from researchers at Harvard Chan School.
Communities of color disproportionately exposed to PFAS pollution in drinking water
People who live in communities with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic/Latino residents are more likely to be exposed to harmful levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their water supplies than people living in other communities,…
Substantial racial inequalities despite frequent health care contact found in treatment for opioid use disorder
In the wake of an opioid-related event, White patients received medication for opioid use disorder up to 80% more frequently than Black patients and up to 25% more frequently than Hispanic patients, according to a new study led…
Regulations reducing lead and copper contamination in drinking water generate $9 billion of health benefits per year, according to new analysis
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Lead and Copper Drinking Water Rule Revision (LCRR) costs $335 million to implement while generating $9 billion in health benefits annually—far exceeding the EPA’s public statements that the LCRR generates $645 million in…
What’s behind ‘shocking’ U.S. life expectancy decline—and what to do about it
U.S. life expectancy has declined to 76.4 years, the shortest it’s been in nearly two decades, according to December data from the CDC. Two experts from Harvard Chan School—Dean Michelle Williams and Ariadne Labs’ Asaf Bitton—discussed the problem…
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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
