Special Populations
Not all communities have been impacted by COVID-19 in the same way. Different experiences have emerged based on factors such as race, socioeconomic class, family structure, age, gender, and the intersection of many different identities. The COVID-19 pandemic is a threat to the general population of the United States and other countries. However, it has become increasingly clear that some of the population is more vulnerable than others. There are many groups that are considered uniquely vulnerable including but not limited to racial/ethnic minorities, children, the elderly, immigrants/refugees, those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, disabled, uninsured, from rural communities, incarcerated, facing domestic violence, LGBTQ+, and those with co-morbidities. Policy makers and government and health officials have been slow to recognize and respond to the needs of these populations.
Preview for Week 7
Presented by Heidi Beidinger-Burnett
Heidi Beidinger-Burnett gives a preview of this week’s session.
Racism Is A Health Crisis
Presented by Heidi Beidinger-Burnett and Mary Ann McDowell
The Indiana University South Bend Vera Z. Dwyer College of Health Sciences Inclusive Action Advisory Council, in partnership with the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center, invited members of the St. Joseph County Board of Health, including president, Dr. Heidi Beidinger-Burnett, and the local health provider community for a panel discussion entitled “Racism is a Health Crisis.”
Tracking COVID-19 Data
Presented by Heidi Beidinger-Burnett
This presentation will track the COVID-19 data in St. Joseph County, IN, while describing the public health implications.
View the Event
Presented by Heidi Beidinger-Burnett and Mary Ann McDowell
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Featured Speakers:
- Heidi Beidinger-Burnett, Director, Eck Institute for Global Health Masters Program; Associate Professor of the Practice, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame; President of the St. Joseph County Board of Health
- Mary Ann McDowell, PhD, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Member of the Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame
- Debra Stanley, Founder and Executive Director, Imani Unidad, Inc.
- William Redman, Sheriff, St. Joseph County
Additional Resources
Presented by Heidi Beidinger-Burnett and Mary Ann McDowell
- COVID-19 Resources on Vulnerable Populations for Consumers and Patients. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health has compiled a set of federal resources on COVID-19 and vulnerable populations.
- Indiana COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Plan
- Coronavirus safety improvements on track at St. Joseph County Jail. An article by Mary Beth Spalding published Oct. 22nd in the South Bend Tribune describing the Coronavirus-related safety renovations of the County Jail.
- Covid-19 Live Updates: The U.S. Passes 11 Million Cases, With Black and Latino Americans Hit Disproportionately. An article by Roni Caryn Rabin published Nov. 15th in the New York Times.