CDC Foundation and Satcher Health Leadership Institute Partner to Address COVID-19 Health Inequities

ATLANTA—June 16, 2020—The CDC Foundation and the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine today announced a partnership to address the health equity implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Support for this program is provided by the CDC Foundation's COVID-19 emergency response fund.

The partnership follows the announcement that the SHLI has received a $1 million Google grant to study the racial impact of COVID-19 by enabling the real-time COVID-19 collection and study of detailed demographic data about the communities of color that are being hit hardest by the pandemic.

In the United States over 115,000 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19 and morbidity and mortality rates continue to rise. Preliminary data has demonstrated that racial and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately impacted by the disease. However, to date, it has been challenging in the midst of the emergency to consistently collect demographic data on COVID-19 cases, including for race and ethnicity. As such, efforts to advance health equity are hindered by under-reporting of data on racial/ethnic minorities, socioeconomic status, disability or mental health status, and other disparity markers of at-risk populations. 

To combat this issue, the SHLI and the CDC Foundation will establish a Health Equity Task Force devoted to monitoring and assessing the disparate impacts on vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to racial/ethnic minorities, people living with disabilities, and those of lower socioeconomic status. A COVID-19 data consortium will be created to ensure the standardization of COVID-19 data at the national, state and local level. There are four key components to this program.

  • Working with Google.org, the HETF will establish a multisector data consortium devoted to COVID-19 impact on vulnerable populations and provide summary data to understand select geographic, racial and socio-economic disparities, and social determinants of health at the individual, county, state, and national levels.

  • Develop standardized, evidence-based best practices for developing socio-culturally responsive resources and provide technical assistance to local and state health organizations to improve their COVID-19 responses, data collection, reporting, planning, mitigation strategies, screening and contact tracing.

  • Analyze jurisdictional policies, which either exacerbate or alleviate COVID-19 outcomes, related to testing, contact tracing, resource allocation/management and jurisdictions' response and mitigation strategies and overall implications for health equity for populations.

  • Understand the mental/behavioral health equity impact of COVID-19.

For us to truly overcome COVID-19 and future pandemics, we must understand how this pandemic impacts all populations as well as build strategies inclusive to all.
Judy Monroe

"We are pleased to be working with the Satcher Health Leadership Institute on this critical program," said Judy Monroe, MD, CDC Foundation president and CEO. "For us to truly overcome COVID-19 and future pandemics, we must understand how this pandemic impacts all populations as well as build strategies inclusive to all. We must ensure that the data is accurate and comprehensive and is accessible to make the appropriate decisions."

Disparities in health outcomes for vulnerable populations have been present for many years. Minority groups suffer with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, obesity and other conditions that make them more susceptible to the effects of COVID-19. This initiative will help to examine the disparate nature of this pandemic and other diseases with solutions and implications towards equitable outcomes.

"As we continue to research the enduring disparities in health status and health care among disproportionately impacted populations during this COVID-19 pandemic, we collectively recognize the importance of compiling accurate and precise information to best protect these vulnerable communities. We are excited to partner with the CDC Foundation to address the drivers of health inequities. Our combined efforts will lead us towards systemic policy change, which will move us closer to achieving health equity in America." said SHLI Director Daniel E. Dawes, JD.

About the CDC Foundation

The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the go-to nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC's critical health protection mission. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has launched more than 1,000 programs and raised over $900 million. The CDC Foundation managed hundreds of CDC-led programs in the United States and in more than 140 countries last year. For more information, visit www.cdcfoundation.org. Follow the Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Morehouse School of Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine, located in Atlanta, GA, exists to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities; increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce; and address primary health care through programs in education, research, and service, with emphasis on people of color and the underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation, and the world. MSM is among the nation's leading educators of primary care physicians and has twice been recognized as the top institution among U.S. medical schools for its dedication to the social mission of education. The faculty and alumni are noted in their fields for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, and are known in the community for exceptional, culturally appropriate patient care. Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctorate and master’s degrees.

About the Satcher Health Leadership Institute

The Satcher Health Leadership Institute aims to be the leading transformational force for health equity in policy, leadership development, and research. Rooted in the legacy of our founder, the 16th U.S. Surgeon General, David Satcher, MD, SHLI's mission is to create systemic change at the intersection of policy and equity by focusing on three priority areas: the political determinants of health, health system transformation, and mental and behavioral health. In conjunction with key strategic partners, SHLI enhances leadership among diverse learners, conducts forward-thinking research on the drivers of health inequities, and advances evidence-based policies; all in an effort to contribute to the achievement of health equity for all population groups.