Nassau
County launched a $450,000 study to examine the impact of the pandemic on
minority communities.
The
COVID-19 Disparity Study will focus on what residents experienced when trying
to access coronavirus testing and vaccination appointments.
Issues rooted in systemic racism and disadvantages
such as a lack of access to education, nutritious food and health care, as well
as poverty and high rates of chronic disease will now get a closer look.
Two surveys will be taken in the study.
One is getting input from residents generally, and
the other focused on nine
communities with large minority populations.
The findings will be used to develop an action plan
to help ensure that all Long Islanders, regardless of color, have an equal shot
at health care.
The study
is being funded from a block grant from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
It's expected
to be completed by May 2022.
Nassau County officials have opened pop-up COVID-19
testing and vaccination sites in minority communities to try to address the
disparities.