The cause of health disparities—past and present—are too layered and old to solve easily. According to Penner, they’ve existed since Reconstruction, right when black health was no longer a matter of profit. “The elimination of health disparities requires multilevel solutions across almost all of the institutions in the United States,” Assari says. “In a short time, like four months in response to Covid-19, it is almost impossible to prevent a major racial gap. It is extremely sad.” Many, including National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci, have said there is little that can be done now about the “unacceptable” disparity apart from providing all patients with the best standard of care. Still, some officials, like New York governor Andrew Cuomo, have committed to ramping up testing in minority communities hit hard by the virus, and Stanford’s isn’t the only group working to get Covid-19 testing and educational outreach where it's needed most. Penner says improving the financial well-being of these communities would also provide fast help. “You’re not going to suddenly improve educational opportunities,” he says. “There is no easier short solution than improving socioeconomic status.”
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