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Baby formula shortage hits lower-income homes and families of color
Jenna Carlesso, The Connecticut Mirror, May 29
With baby formula increasingly hard to find on store shelves, concerns are growing for Black and Hispanic parents and low-income families who have less access to the products. Disparities in breastfeeding rates, nutrition assistance limits on formula, and other socioeconomic factors are contributing to the uneven burden of the limited supply.
Two years after Floyd murder, racial trauma permeates US
Kat Stafford, The Associated Press, May 25
George Floyd’s slaying, along with the killings of other Black Americans, has wrought a heavy toll on the emotional and mental health of Black communities burdened by centuries of oppressive systems and racist practices. The ongoing trauma has caused Black-led organizations to prioritize mental health and healing, with some organizations providing free services for Black people. However, they say real change won’t come until white people take responsibility for ending the white supremacy and racism that have traumatized Black people.
Paxlovid is widely available, but details on who’s getting it are sparse
Deidre McPhillips, CNN, June 1
Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment for COVID-19, was hailed as a game-changer in the pandemic thanks to its strong performance in lowering the risk of severe disease. But the federal government hasn’t shared any details about who is getting Paxlovid, leaving some experts concerned that as COVID-19 continues to spread, those who are still at higher risk may not have equal access to this next line of defense.
One psychologist offers strategies for Latinx community to cope with Texas shooting
Camila Vallejo, Connecticut Public Radio, May 27
In Uvalde, Texas, more than 70% of residents identify as Latinx or Hispanic. After a mass school shooting there last week, Dr. Rocio Chang, a trauma-informed psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry at UConn Health, says the news may elicit a variety of feelings for Latinx people and members of other vulnerable communities. Recognizing feelings, identifying trusted people and groups, and relying on actions that bring comfort can help.
Opinion: Factoring in patients’ experiences is essential for moving the needle on health disparities
Sylvie Leotin, STAT, May 31
While access is an important barrier to health equity, it is only half of the equation. Improving access doesn’t change what happens inside of hospitals and clinics once Black and marginalized people are admitted and seen. Sylvie Leotin, breast cancer survivor and a lead investigator of a health equity innovation grant, has put the experiences of Black cancer patients at the forefront of her research.