COVID-19 Demographic Data Sign On Letter to HHS

In recent weeks, state and local officials have documented that communities of color are being disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. While anyone can be at risk for infection from the novel coronavirus, in the United States many systemic inequities, discrimination, and harmful social determinants of health have led to long-standing disparities in communities of color and other populations. As a result, COVID-19 is disproportionately leading to severe illness and mortality within these communities. Therefore, as organizations representing a truly diverse array of stakeholders, including consumers and patients, communities of color, faith groups, health providers, health industry and public health we urge the Department of Health and Human Services to address barriers to the collection, analysis and regular public reporting of detailed disaggregated demographic data on individuals with COVID-19 in order to equitably respond to this crisis. Without timely data, our public health system cannot effectively understand this pandemic, focus the response and address our national emergency.