From birth to death, legacy of racism lays foundation for Black Americans’ health disparities
The Toronto Star
23-05-23 04:46
Black Americans suffer from worse health outcomes compared to their white counterparts from birth until death, with higher rates of illnesses such as high blood pressure, asthma, and Alzheimer's, as well as increased maternal mortality rates. The Associated Press has investigated how the legacy of racism in America has created a foundation for these health inequities. The series covers five parts, starting with why many Black women face increased mortality rates during pregnancy due to a lack of attention from medical professionals. The second part discusses the higher likelihood of African American children having asthma, with a link to the areas they live in. The third part focuses on how Black teenagers face racism before even starting school, causing a mental health crisis. The fourth part addresses how high blood pressure, combined with COVID-19, is catastrophic for many Black Americans. Finally, the series concludes by examining how the lifetime impacts of racism increase the prevalence of Alzheimer's in Black Americans.