What is the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities?

What is the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities?

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order No. 2020-55 on April 20, 2020, creating the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities. The task force will investigate the causes of racial disparities in the impact of COVID-19, recommend actions to address those disparities, and suggest ways to:

• Increase transparency in reporting data regarding the racial and ethnic impact of COVID-19. 
• Remove barriers to accessing physical and mental health care. 
• Reduce the impact of medical bias in testing and treatment. 
• Mitigate environmental and infrastructure factors contributing to increased exposure during pandemics resulting in mortality. 
• Develop and improve systems for supporting long-term economic recovery and physical and mental health care following a pandemic. 

The task force will also work with different groups of community action stakeholders. Given the complexities of developing and implementing actions to address racial disparities, a diversity of stakeholders will provide valuable insights about how best to engage with the community, local government, and health systems.

The task force will also identify avenues of funding for combatting racial disparities in the impact of COVID-19 and recommend changes in Michigan law relevant to combatting racial disparities in the impact of and response to pandemics.

Learn more about the task force in a media release, by visiting the task force website or by emailing MIEOG-COVID-19RacialDisparitiesTF@michigan.gov.