COVID-19 Has Disproportionately Impacted Communities Of Color

While the effects of the pandemic are still emerging, current data suggest certain populations are more vulnerable than others. In addition to those age 65 and older, recent data suggests the virus is having a disproportionate impact on communities of color.

“The pandemic has shined a bright light on what we have known for decades: throughout our nation’s history, racial minorities have experienced reduced access to healthcare, higher rates of chronic conditions and, ultimately, higher rates of mortality across a range of health conditions,” said Gary Puckrein, President and CEO of NMQF. “With so many minority populations serving in essential roles on the front lines of this pandemic, we have an urgent need to provide them with accessible, equitable healthcare.”

MRCIS is a multi-sponsored, prospective longitudinal investigation of the risk factors, biologics as well as social determinants of health, associated with the disproportionate impact that coronavirus is having on minority and rural communities. Study participants are being recruited from 5 Federal Qualified Health Centers in five states (Illinois, Ohio, Louisiana, Florida and California).  Participants will be consenting to a 5-year study that investigates risk factors associated with COVID-19.  Each center is recruiting 1,000 study participants.  

Illinois 

• Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness 
• auntmarthas.org

Ohio

• PrimaryOne Health
• primaryonehealth.org

Louisiana 

• Teche Action Clinic
• tabhealth.org

Florida 

• Osceola Community Health Services
• osceolahealthcare.org

California 

• John Wesley Community Health 
• jwchinstitute.org

About Centene’s Communities Together in Health Initiative 
The “Minority and Rural Coronavirus Insights Study (MRCIS)” research partnership falls under Centene’s broader Communities Together in Health, an initiative led by Centene to help raise awareness around health disparities.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic Communities Together in Health is working to engage key healthcare stakeholders – including members, providers, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments and government officials – to help address disparities in the healthcare system, while recommending evidence-based solutions and policies to further address health disparities across the country.