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Sarbanes Joins Effort to Reduce COVID-19 Health Disparities and Improve Health Care for Communities of Color

September 14, 2020

The Ending Health Disparities During COVID-19 Act Would Address Longstanding Racial Inequities in America’s Health Care System and Strengthen Health Outcomes for All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today co-sponsored the Ending Health Disparities During COVID-19 (EHDC) Act, a bill to comprehensively address the health disparities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic that result from centuries of systemic racism and inequality in American society.

"Communities of color in Maryland and across the country have disproportionately borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Congressman Sarbanes. "The effort we're advancing today will play an important role in addressing the deep-rooted inequalities that exist in our society and help enhance health outcomes for every American."

The EHDC Act will help address COVID-19 health disparities by improving data collection, testing, contact tracing, treatment, public awareness and federal oversight as the nation continues to manage the ongoing public health emergency. The bill also aims to enhance access to high-quality and affordable health insurance, increase community health care grants, strengthen culturally competent care and boost health information technology.

Congressman Sarbanes has continuously fought to end health disparities among communities of color. He recently co-sponsored the Health Equity and Accountability Act (H.R. 6637), a bill to improve the health of minority communities by increasing diversity in the health care workforce, enhancing data collection and expanding access to effective health care services.

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Issues:Health Care