As a company, Scimedico is on the front lines of the pandemic. We have been part of addressing the challenge of COVID-19 and have a deep understanding of the impact of the virus. It has cost this country 104,383 (so far) people in the United States in just three months. And now with the murderous death of George Floyd, the death of 1 person, we are experiencing a different kind of tragedy and challenge. This man's death, however, is connected to many who have lost their lives to COVID-19. The connection is poverty. Just a few things to consider:
Compared to whites, Hispanics are almost 3 times as likely to be uninsured
African Americans are almost twice as likely to be uninsured
In all age groups, blacks were more likely than whites to report not being able to see a doctor in the past year because of cost
Compared to whites, black Americans experience higher death rates, and higher prevalence rates of chronic conditions
The tragedy of Mr. Floyd's death is part of a very real situation that people of color deal with in our nation every day: The failure of us all to address real poverty. The failure of our institutions to lift all people up. The failure of equal access to all resources for all people.
The tragedy of COVID-19 has uncovered -- exposed to full view -- the connection between poverty, race, and this overall reality in a way that, Scimedico hopes, will assist us all in overcoming this flagrant disparity.
Yes, there is a connection between the death of George Floyd and COVID-19 -- the report is in. It is the insidious impact of poverty. Consider the following data from the State of New York:
For poor people, especially people of color, the impact of COVID-19 and the connection between poverty and the social condition of minorities is irrefutable. The data tells the truth.
There is a justified debate about the COVID-19 death rate. If a person has an underlying condition, gets COVID-19, and loses their life, was it the underlying condition that caused their death or was it COVID-19? Does the question matter? It does.
If COVID-19 did not cause their passing and it was indeed the underlying condition then COVID-19 represents the hand of inequality, the final push of poverty, and throws the essential light on the challenge we face. The data is irrefutable.
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There are no easy answers, but the simple reality of COVID-19 has uncovered the truth: That poor people are dying in our great country at a much higher rate than those with means. This is especially for African Americans.
Scimedico will begin looking at how we can start to become part of the solution to the problem of unequal opportunity. Perhaps we can be the place where the next Ken Frazier begins his or her journey.
Scimedico is a mission driven company. We believe that we are contributing to the challenge represented by all disease in our daily work. As a mission driven provider, we believe that we are advocates for our customers -- the front line healthcare, law enforcment, and research professionals diagnosing every disease, identifying cause of death, and working to create the next vaccine.
Scimedico is making a difference. However, it is not enough. It is time to act. It is time for change. As a company we are examining what we can do and what specific action we can take.
Scimedico will announce our plan June 30, 2020.
About Scimedico
Scimedico is a full service laboratory services and solutions firm, providing Preventive Maintenance, Laboratory Safety, Temporary Environments, Laboratory Moves, and Installation solutions in the Healthcare, Research, and Government Sectors. Scimedico, LLC's preventive maintenance services are available in the United States and Canada.
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