UOSSM USA Alarmed by COVID-19 Death Rate in Black Communities

June 9, 2020

UOSSM USA is alarmed by the rate of death in black communities from the COVID-19 pandemic. During COVID-19 the world witnessed firsthand the effect of disparities in the US, with deaths of people of color at almost three times the rate of white people. According to an article on CNN.com, “Black Americans represent 13.4% of the American population according to the US Census Bureau, but counties with higher black populations account for more than half of all Covid-19 deaths, the study found. Disparities, including access to health care, are likely to blame.“

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 9, 2020

UOSSM USA Alarmed by COVID-19 Death Rate in Black Communities

Dallas, Texas- UOSSM USA is alarmed by the rate of death in black communities from the COVID-19 pandemic. During COVID-19 the world witnessed firsthand the effect of disparities in the US, with deaths of people of color at almost three times the rate of white people. According to an article on CNN.com, “Black Americans represent 13.4% of the American population according to the US Census Bureau, but counties with higher black populations account for more than half of all Covid-19 deaths, the study found. Disparities, including access to health care, are likely to blame.“

Racial health disparities exist in the US and must be addressed. In an article by The Guardian , “Black Americans Dying of COVID-19 at Three Times the Rate of White People,” more than 20,000 African Americans- about one in 2,000 of the entire black population in the US- have died from the disease. Racial disparities are affecting the lives of African Americans in all aspects of society; ultimately affecting the public health of underserved communities. With the knowledge that COVID-19 disproportionately affects black and Hispanic communities, UOSSM USA asks health care agencies to help resolve the health inequities in these communities.

Dr. Khaula Sawah, Vice President of UOSSM USA said, “We are deeply concerned about the existing racial inequality in our community that is claiming the lives of many affected people. It is disappointing to see the incredible health disparity and suffering of minorities in what is the richest country in the world. The US medical system must do better and take immediate steps to resolve the inequities. UOSSM USA’s board of directors and support members will do their part and continue addressing racial health disparity by providing medical care to marginalized and underserved communities.”

People wait for a distribution of masks and food in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Photograph: Bebeto Matthews/AP

For Media Inquiries Please Contact:

Najah Allouch:

UOSSM USA Communications and Media Director

Email: press@uossm.us

Since 2012, UOSSM has been providing emergency medical relief and healthcare services to the Syrian people affected by the crisis, working primarily inside Syria and with Syrian refugees in Turkey.

In 2018:

UOSSM provided almost 2.5 million medical services
UOSSM supported 14 primary health care centers and 13 mobile clinics
UOSSM provided over 162,000 beneficiaries with nutrition services focused on
women and children
UOSSM provided nutrition services to over 162,000 people
UOSSM Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services provided care to 110,096 beneficiaries
UOSSM Bab Al Hawa Hospital provided health care services to over 1 million patients since establishment through the end of 2019

Media Contact:

Name: Najah Allouch

Title: Communications and Media Director

Email Address: press@uossm.us

UOSSM USA Alarmed by COVID-19 Death Rate in Black Communities

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