Our COVID-19 ResponseA Pandemic Within a Pandemic.
Racial disparities within the healthcare system have been present for centuries. Across various health conditions, we find Black Americans to be disproportionately impacted and now face unprecedented uncertainties in the middle of a pandemic.
We’re In This Together...
…But Not Every Battle is the Same.
We are dedicated to the elimination of health disparities and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among African-Americans and other underserved populations.
As part of our mission, we have been involved in addressing the disparities, directly with state officials and leaders, that have only been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic in communities of color.
Did you know?… 33% of COVID-19 hospitalized patients are Black. That’s compared to only 18% in the surrounding community, making it the largest disparity of all races/ethnic minority groups. Source: CDCDuring the pandemic, we’re proud our work has resulted in:9 Sites in 8 Cities.
We’re serving underserved communities across NJ. From rapid tests, vaccine registrations, vaccinations, answering vaccine questions, and other COVID-related questions, our team of healthcare professionals and volunteers work tirelessly to serve our local (thus wider) community.
1,774 Community Members Served.
We’re just getting started... We identified vulnerable populations, such as, the elderly, minority communities, those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity to bring what access we can to them.
1,500+ PPE and Resources Donated.
We donated needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers in Labor and Delivery units across NJ. We’ve distributed N95/KN95 masks, face shields, surgical caps, and cloth mask covers to hospitals with staggering shortages. We continue to provide those who come to our events to get tested and/or registered with their own PPE and COVID-19 educational materials.
Updated June 16th, 2021Upcoming Events.
We partner with community organizations, activists, government and/or volunteers to bring access to COVID resources and education from our team of healthcare professionals.
By partnering with those within the community we wish to serve, we’re able to assess what’s needed for their vulnerable populations in a manner that is specifically helpful to them.
July 8
✓ Vaccinations
✓ Education
3 - 7 PM
170 Watchung Ave, North Plainfield, NJ
July 21
✓ Covid Testing
✓ Food Distribution
1 - 3 PM
Camden Prep Copewood Elementary School
1650 Copewood St., Camden, NJ 08103
It Takes a VillageOur Partners
From handsewn masks, donated PPE, volunteers, event space, and ongoing resources we cannot thank our network enough.
Our 2020 Initial ResponseLet’s Close the Gap.
We’ve been addressing the effects of this pandemic on communities of color, as well as, its impact on black physicians who predominately work in communities of color.
One aspect of this on-going conversation and response has been focused on pregnant women. New York data shows that 1 out of 8 pregnant women are asymptomatic carriers of the virus.
With this in mind, universal testing in Labor and Delivery units in NJ have not occurred. Therefore, these patients remain undetected, which may result in infection of a newborn or family members they may come in contact with or deterioration of the new mother’s health which in rare cases, may result in death.
Deaths in NJ of COVID-19 and its compilations are much higher in the black community. Due to prior preexisting conditions, disparities in social determinants of health and implicit bias, black patients are at a higher risk of dying of COVID-19 complications.
With a history of distrust of the healthcare system within the black community, due to unethical care and continued systemic racism, it is essential that information is given to communities of color by trusted physicians or leaders of color.
We have been in conversation with First Lady Tammy Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, Senator Ronald Rice, Assemblywoman Shovanda Sumpter, Commissioner of the NJ Department of Health Judith M. Persichilli, Commissioner of the NJ Department of Human Services Carole Johnson, and Assistant Commissioner of Family Health Services Lisa Asare to ensure:
Full transparent data reflecting race impact
Improved access to testing in communities of color
Advocacy for free testing
Improved telemedicine platforms
Availability of medical equipment to allow virtual visits, including but not limited to:
blood pressure monitors
thermometers
fetal dopplers
pulse ox for oxygen saturation
urine dipsticks
How It StartedGovernor Phil Murphy holds a coronavirus briefing in Trenton on April 18, 2020. Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health Judith M. Persichilli speaks on meeting with members of the NJBWPA and NMA:
Dr. Terry Johnson - NJBWPA President
Dr. Pamela Brug - NJBWPA Vice President
Dr. Damali Campbell - NJBWPA Secretary
Dr. Juana Hutchinson - NJBWPA Treasurer
Want to Join Our COVID-19 Response Efforts?
Need an Event In Your Community?
This form is for you! Click the “Contact” button to reach out to us.We’re putting our time and expertise where our heart is: our communities. Our mission is to provide the science-backed information you need to protect your health. Join us for a COVID-19 Education, Testing and Vaccine Registration event.