The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) has shared resources for patients and healthcare providers focused on COVID-19’s impact on black communities and other underserved patient populations.
The resources include multiple FAQ documents, a webinar and other helpful information. A full list of patient resources from the ABC is available here.
“The unfortunate higher death rates seen in African Americans and other minorities and disadvantaged persons is not new, but has been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic and requires urgent, comprehensive action,” Daphne Ferdinand, PhD, RN, co-chair of the ABC Community Programs Committee, said in a statement. “Direct, culturally-sensitive messages are needed to inform and motivate the African American community and overcome myths and misinformation.”
“The ABC has always been a beacon for addressing health inequities directly impacting the African American community and other communities of color,” LaPrincess Brewer, MD, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and member of the ABC Community Programs Committee, said in the same statement. “These communities are more accepting of health messaging from those they trust. Thus, our efforts are crucial to help mitigate the unacceptable disparities in COVID-19 cases and outcomes among our most vulnerable populations.”
In one FAQ document designed for healthcare providers, topics include the stages of COVID-19, cardiovascular complications associated with the ongoing pandemic, recommended treatments and much more.
“African Americans are not at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 due to any genetic predisposition that we are currently aware of, however, many people of color live in metropolitan, densely populated areas, often in multi-generational households and rely on public transportation, all of which can increase the rate of transmission and risk of contracting COVID-19,” according to the document. “In regard to the risk of severe disease, the African American community on an epidemiological level is at an increased risk of severe disease due to a higher prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and obesity.”
Another FAQ aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19, available here, emphasizes the importance of washing your hands, wearing masks in public and practicing social distancing.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.