Podcast explores how COVID-19 has exposed a lack of access to care for black and minority communities

A report from The New York Times shows Latinos and African-Americans in the United States have been three times as likely to become infected as white residents. But infections only tell a portion of the story.

In this week’s episode of the “WVU and the Coronavirus” podcast, we talk to Spenser Darden, the director of Diversity Initiatives and Community Engagement at WVU. In the episode, Darden explains how COVID-19 has further shown the gap in access to care in black communities, and how those gaps came to be.

Because of the structural ways that black Americans are disadvantaged, Darden said, they often experience disparities in terms of outcomes and access, from everything to health care and housing to education and job opportunities.

“The coronavirus did not create disparity; rather, it highlighted disparity that already existed,” he said.

The episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify. Written by Stacey Elza, Wendy Holdren and David Ryan. Narrated by David Ryan. Sound mixed by Sean Hines.

For more information, and to read the show transcript, visit the “WVU and the Coronavirus” show page.

Additionally, find COVID-19 resources with general information and specific details related to populations such as students, faculty and staff, researchers, healthcare providers or the general public. Other resources, including a quick reference fact sheet, videos, social media graphics, field experts, media contact information and more are also available.

Visit coronavirus.wvu.edu/media-resources and the WVUToday Media Center.

Produced by University Relations at West Virginia University.