NAACP Statement on White House Call Regarding COVID-19 Impact in African-American Community.

Washington, D.C. (April 10, 2020) – Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, made the following statement about today's White House call on the impact of COVID-19 on the African-American community.

"This pandemic has exposed the inequality that exists everywhere, particularly in the U.S. healthcare system, resulting in harm to African Americans at a drastically disproportionate rate. The nation has seen only a small glimpse into the reality that has resonated within the Black community for decades. Our communities remain marginalized, underfunded, and largely forgotten on every imaginable scale.

For more than three years, this Administration has dismantled programs and policies that promote equality and reduce racial disparities in every facet of society. Hollow convenings will not change what is happening in our communities.

We call upon the CDC to immediately release information on COVID-19 testing, cases, and outcomes using data disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status. The NAACP is committed to promoting equal treatment and inclusion for everyone. We cannot begin to ensure access to health care and equitable health outcomes until these reporting deficiencies are addressed.

Our federal, state and local governments must ensure necessary policies and practices are in place, so that important data, testing, treatment, and resources are available on an equal basis and reach all people in all communities.

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Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP's work and our "Game Changer" issue areas here.