Health Policy Brief: COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act of 2021 (HR 1400)
Student Presenter(s): John Purcell
Faculty Mentor: Joerg Leheste
Department: Basic Sciences
School/College: College of Osteopathic Medicine, Jonesboro
Soon after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as other vulnerable populations, were disproportionately impacted by the virus. While health disparities have existed long before 2019, scarce resources and expeditious response efforts shed light on and amplified the need for effective countermeasures. Limited studies indicate that interventions such as public awareness campaigns and vaccine outreach efforts have helped narrow the gap of health inequities, resulting in increased vaccine uptake, testing, and improved health outcomes among these populations. However, as of March of 2022, the COVID-19 vaccine and booster uptake among the pediatric and adult populations remain suboptimal, especially for underserved populations. If enacted, the COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act of 2021 (HR 1400) will provide federal funds and resources to establish and execute COVID-19 public awareness campaigns that target communities that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Federal offices and agencies, acting in collaboration with local jurisdictions, will implement educational campaigns to promote vaccination, as well as other public health measures, tailored to address the range of barriers to healthcare experienced by racial and ethnic minorities, rural, and other vulnerable populations. This health policy brief provides an evidence-based analysis of the possible impact of this bill if written into law.