Pitch:
In Iowa, according to the COVID Tracking Project Racial Data Dashboard, Black Iowans comprise about 4% of the state population but 11% of COVID-19 cases and 5% of COVID-19 deaths in the state. Asians, as well, have a very similar case numbers in Iowa, and the highest death numbers, which I don’t see a lot of reporting. I want to look into the reasons behind why Asian community is suffering from Covid-19 in Iowa. What factors are in play to account for such a difference? And how can health care providers work to address these disparities?
Potential sources:
- University of Iowa Health Care has a “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force” to help with racial disparity and the reasons behind it.
- Iowa Department of Health Services focuses on ensuring the safety and well-being of their healthcare team and those we serve during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Several stories on Asian Iowans see increased xenophobia, harassment during coronavirus pandemic. I could reach out to the publications.