COVID-19 Health Disparities, Cardiovascular Disease, and Communities of Color
COVID-19 Health Disparities, Cardiovascular Disease, and Communities of Color
February 4, 2021 | Best Practice
1. Recognize the importance of diversity in research
We must proportionally represent minority populations in clinical trials and Covid-19 studies as they are affected. In the cardiovascular risk associated with Covid-19, previously seen disparities are being mirrored – going forward, representation in creating a vaccine is essential.
2. Evaluate the needs of minority populations
Covid-19 has affected different populations in varying degrees and access to health services is far from equal. Lack of access to caregivers or health advocates as well as internet or telephone services greatly increase risk to Covid-19 and cardiovascular health.
3. Tailor health messaging to the desired audience
When assisting communities heavily affected by Covid-19, the messaging used is critical in ensuring effectiveness. Resources such as testing lose impact if the health messaging is overly complex or lacking in cultural competence.
4. Address mistrust in communities
Acknowledging that there is a mistrust in communities of color is essential to remedying the issue and reducing risk for Covid-19, cardiovascular disease, and other comorbidities.
To learn more health equity best practices, attend an upcoming CHI educational event
Joseph Gaspero is the CEO and Co-Founder of CHI. He is a healthcare executive, strategist, and researcher. He co-founded CHI in 2009 to be an independent, objective, and interdisciplinary research and education institute for healthcare. Joseph leads CHI’s research and education initiatives focusing on including patient-driven healthcare, patient engagement, clinical trials, drug pricing, and other pressing healthcare issues. He sets and executes CHI’s strategy, devises marketing tactics, leads fundraising efforts, and manages CHI’s Management team. Joseph is passionate and committed to making healthcare and our world a better place. His leadership stems from a wide array of experiences, including founding and operating several non-profit and for-profit organizations, serving in the U.S. Air Force in support of 2 foreign wars, and deriving expertise from time spent in industries such as healthcare, financial services, and marketing. Joseph’s skills include strategy, management, entrepreneurship, healthcare, clinical trials, diversity & inclusion, life sciences, research, marketing, and finance. He has lived in six countries, traveled to over 30 more, and speaks 3 languages, all which help him view business strategy through the prism of a global, interconnected 21st century. Joseph has a B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago. When he’s not immersed in his work at CHI, he spends his time snowboarding backcountry, skydiving, mountain biking, volunteering, engaging in MMA, and rock climbing.