Mesquite will host a virtual forum Thursday to discuss health disparities within the city, particularly those experienced by people of color. The talk is the latest in a series of health discussions that the city launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The discussion will feature Dr. Laura Lee Hall, president of the Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity at the National Minority Quality Forum, a Washington, D.C-based health research center. Dr. Jaime A. Davidson, professor at the Diabetes Touchstone Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center, will also offer insight.
The virtual panel, at 7 p.m. Thursday, will focus on how COVID-19 has affected people of color and what people can expect from vaccines, according to Hall.
Hall said she has seen a gap in vaccination rates between people of color and white people. She pointed to hurdles that some people may face, such as access to reliable transportation and health care. “I hope we can address some of the barriers that exist and help everyone in the meeting,” she said.
Hall said addressing the disparities at a city level can help address racial inequalities in health.
“I think that members of a community, we know our population the best, we have the most vested interest in the best outcome,” Hall said.
People can join the forum via Zoom with the webinar ID: 889 0399 1925.
