Resolution: Declaring Racism a Nation Health Emergency

Resolution: Declaring Racism as a National Health Emergency

Whereas systemic racism has led to significant health disparities in communities of color, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), resulting in higher rates of chronic illness, mental health conditions, and premature death; and

Whereas racism contributes to stress-related health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, which are exacerbated by unequal access to healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity; and

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and intensified these racial disparities, with BIPOC communities experiencing disproportionately higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death; and

Whereas leading health organizations, including the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have identified racism as a public health crisis; and

Whereas over 200 U.S. jurisdictions have formally declared racism a public health crisis, recognizing the need for urgent action to address its impact on public health; and

Whereas the North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP) has a duty to fight for racial justice and equity in health care, education, housing, and employment;

Therefore, be it resolved that the McDowell County Democratic Party urges the NCDP to declare Racism as a National Health Emergency and to advocate for policies that address and reduce racial health disparities in North Carolina; and

Be it further resolved that the NCDP calls on government officials to prioritize resources and legislation aimed at eliminating systemic racism and promoting health equity for all.

Presented by

Susan Elliott

to the

McDowell County Democratic Party

Convention, 2025