Racism Is a Public Health Crisis

Understanding how health outcomes differ across racial and ethnic groups is a cornerstone of the field of public health. Systemic racial inequities in our country shape many aspects of people’s wellbeing, including their access to health care, the places they live, the air they breathe, the levels of stress they experience, and more.  

It’s clear that racism is a public health crisis. This can be seen in the disproportionate instances of police brutality against Black individuals as well as COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on communities of color. The University of Michigan School of Public Health is committed to pursuing a healthier, more equitable world for all, and we stand with scholars across the field and individuals throughout the country who are working to combat racism in its myriad forms.

Below, explore content from Michigan Public Health experts who advance work to understand racism and health inequities. Learn more about efforts to build a diverse, equible, and inclusive community within the School of Public Health.