COVID-19 Minority Health Strike Force Releases Blueprint Report
More Than A Mask
On April 20, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine launched the COVID-19 Minority Health Strike Force. This group of advisers worked with state leadership to provide feedback on the immediate action necessary to address COVID-19 and its disproportionate impact on Ohioans of color.
Released last week, this blueprint developed by the COVID-19 Minority Health Strike Force with input from many community members around the state, contains 35 actionable recommendations that serve as a roadmap for the administration of Governor Mike DeWine to advance health equity in partnership with state, local and community officials in Ohio.
The blueprint includes several categories of recommendations; many of which reflect AOF’s policy objectives and continuing advocacy efforts:
Dismantling Racism to Advance Health Equity
Reduce discrimination and increase diversity in the health workforce
Increase access to health care
Increase access to COVID-19 testing, treatment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and a vaccine (when available)
Improve access to high-quality education
Reduce poverty and increase investment and employment
Improve working conditions
Decrease arrest and incarceration rates
Increase safe and affordable housing
Increase access to transportation
Decrease the digital divide
Governor DeWine also released is action plan, Ohio’s Executive Response: A Plan of Action to Advance Equity, a culmination of commitments resulting from state leadership discussions to guide the state
enterprise as they begin their strategic planning process. The process will advance equity in Ohio’s systems; promote diversity, equity and inclusion in state workplaces; embed equity in programs and
policy; and provide tools for statewide partners to advance equity in public service.