Hirono, Brown, Booker, Padilla Lead Resolution Declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) led several of their Senate colleagues in introducing a Senate Resolution declaring racism a public health crisis.

“Communities of color have long faced disparities when it comes to accessing and receiving health care,” said Senator Hirono. “These disparities are a direct consequence of generations of structural racism, adversely impacting every aspect of health for our communities, including life expectancy, maternal morbidity, infant mortality, and more. This resolution is an important step in recognizing this discrimination and reaffirming our commitment to addressing the inequities that disproportionately affect our communities.”

The resolution acknowledges the history of racism and discrimination within health care and the systemic barriers that people of color continue to face when seeking care. The resolution also highlights the effects of systemic racism on the health and wellness of communities of color, resulting in shorter life expectancy, worsened health outcomes, and enhanced exposure to harmful or dangerous environments. This resolution encourages concrete action to address health disparities and inequities across all sectors in society.

In addition to Senators Hirono, Brown, Booker, and Padilla, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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