Senator Connie Leyva said on Thursday that it's time for the State of California to recognize what she believes is the pervasive public health impacts of racism.
"As we hear the righteous anger from communities across California in response to the death of George Floyd and the many others before him, it is critical that the scourge of racism be recognized for what it is: a public health crisis," wrote Leyva. "In a very real way, racism perpetuates disparities between whites and blacks in socioeconomic, health, education and practically all other measurable outcomes."
The Democrat from Chino claimed racism often presents a roadblock to health care and other vital needs of minority individuals and communities. She said declaring racism a public health crisis and an ongoing threat to African-Americans and other people of color is the only way to really address systemic racism and discrimination in California.
"In response to much public input and appeals by the community, San Bernardino County leaders recently responded to the demands of people of all races and directed staff to draft a resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis," Leyva continued. "As someone who has lived in San Bernardino County since I was a small child, I appreciate the important message this action would send. By making a similar statewide public declaration, California would also solidify its commitment to ending racism across the state in all sectors, including jobs, education, housing and health care."
Leyva points to the current COVID-19 outbreak and the death of death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody as examples of the health impacts associated with racism. She noted that African-Americans are more likely to die from coronavirus or to be killed by law enforcement than whites.
"In the coming weeks and months, I commit to continue working in Sacramento and across the 20th State Senate District to advance this important dialogue," she concluded.