Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health to study and report on the matter of racial disparities in COVID-19 death rates in this state.
Impact
If this resolution is acted upon, it is expected to inform Louisiana's public health policies and interventions regarding COVID-19 and beyond. The findings will be essential for addressing racial health disparities, which have been long-standing issues in Louisiana. By requesting that the Louisiana Department of Health engage with the governor’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, the resolution emphasizes a collaborative approach to uncover systemic health inequities and suggests that legislative action may follow based on the study's outcomes.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 74, introduced by several Louisiana senators, urges the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a study addressing the alarming racial disparities in COVID-19 death rates within the state. The resolution highlights the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Louisiana, which has reported significantly high infection and mortality rates. The urgency of this request is underscored by the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on black Americans, who, according to studies, face mortality rates nearly three times higher than their white counterparts due to various contributing factors linked to social determinants of health.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR74 is one of concern and a recognized need for action. Legislators and public health advocates expressed a strong desire to address the racial inequities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. There is hope that a comprehensive study will shed light on these critical issues and lead to effective health policies that improve outcomes for marginalized communities in Louisiana. The resolution reflects a growing awareness of health disparities that have persisted over generations.
Contention
While there seems to be broad support for the resolution's objectives, discussions may arise around the effectiveness of the proposed study and prior commitments to tackle racial health disparities in Louisiana. The expectation for real change hinges on the willingness of state agencies to act on the findings. Additionally, with competing public health priorities and budgetary constraints, the resolution must translate into actionable strategies that will make a meaningful difference in health equity.
Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health to collect data regarding the age, race, and gender of Louisiana residents who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or any future public health emergency.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to take immediate action to address racial disparity in maternal and child health outcomes and the alarming rate of mortality for African-American infants and mothers in Louisiana.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to report on the use and results of hydroxychloroquine for treating Medicaid recipients relative to COVID-19.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health and Department of Veterans Affairs to implement policies for the health and safety of long-term care facility residents.
Requests the office of public health of the Louisiana Department of Health to study and report relative to health care infrastructure needs in Louisiana.
Requests Louisiana Economic Development to study the impact COVID-19 has had on the Small Business Administration and the Louisiana Guaranty Program's loans and grants
Requests an update from the Louisiana Department of Health and the division of administration on efforts to establish an application or system to track the incidence and spread of COVID-19
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.