After the COVID-19 pandemic ends, the United States will need to come together to address several cultural issues made more apparent throughout this crisis. This article will highlight some of my thoughts.
Health Disparity
Although there are significant health differences between many groups, disparities in overall health in individuals and access to health care are most likely to occur within ethnic minority populations. Eliminating inequalities in health care is essential not only for fairness, but also to improve the health of all Americans by achieving equal access to health insurance, medical care, and other health services. Despite knowing this, policymakers have taken limited actions to address this level of inequality. One report suggests that while African Americans living in Chicago made up 29% of the population, they accounted for 70% of the deaths related to COVID-19. The critical questions that must be asked after this crisis ends are why did so many people of color die from COVID-19, and could some of these deaths have been prevented if people of color had access to health care as others do in the society? So when the dust settles, we need to address and eliminate disparities in access to health care within our society.
Respecting All Workers
When the dust settles, people previously considered to have menial jobs should instead be viewed as those who risked their lives so we could survive. For example, these now-essential jobs are our delivery drivers, restaurant workers, truck drivers, farmers, grocery workers, bakers, etc. These jobs should be seen as an important job sector within our society. Let’s not forget our doctors, nurses, first responders, firefighters, pharmacy staff, chaplains, police, and others who placed themselves on the front line unselfishly so that others could live. It was not the CEOs, celebrities, bankers, or politicians who were on the front line keeping society going and stocked with basic necessities, providing emergency assistance, and caring for the sick. Therefore, when the dust settles, we should all require a higher standard of respect for those who put themselves on the line for our survival.
Enhanced Level of Understanding of Inclusion
After the dust settles, we should have a greater understanding that the concept of inclusion is enduring, requires consideration for others, and also requires each of us to make personal sacrifices. We hope that there will be greater cohesiveness within our society, leading to increased levels of care and empathy for others as well as helping others to have a sense of belonging within the community.
Support for Frontline Workers
When the dust settles, we must pay our debt to our doctors, nurses, first responders, firefighters, pharmacy staff, chaplains, police, and others who gave unselfishly. When we can come together after the pandemic has passed, these essential, life-saving workers should be provided with some level of appreciation other than, “thank you.” It is essential to ensure that these frontline workers are supported in every possible way. Perhaps when the crisis is over, we will see many of these frontline workers displaying signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We are already seeing many frontline workers ‘emotionally broken’ by this crisis, and the numbers will certainly increase as the pandemic rages on. So, when the dust settles, we will need to ensure that we advocate for their emotional, mental, physical, and possibly even financial support at all levels.
Accountability
And after all is said and done, we need to ensure those who had responsibility for our safety and did not perform due diligence to protect us are held accountable. For example, there are cases of people who knew that they are ill but refused to follow the guidelines given. For example, recently, the Jamaican government requested that all passengers who entered Jamaica from March 18 to 23 should report to the Health Ministry to be state-quarantined. Over 5000 passengers arrived on the island during this period. However, it should be noted that, to date, over three thousands of these passengers have yet to report to the office. This action shows a blatant disregard for the health and safety of others. The same can be said of the spring breakers and some of our leaders who disregard the warnings and guidance given from informed sources. So, when the dust settles, it will be essential to have in-depth conversations and actionable plans to ensure situations like these will not happen again.
Conclusion
When the dust settles, we should have a positive change in our behavior and attitudes towards others who are different. When the dust settles, we should all reflect on our survival and consider ways in which we can serve humanity. After all, the life you save could be your own.
Comments