Lorain County commissioners declare racism a public health crisis

ELYRIA — Lorain County commissioners unanimously declared racism a public health crisis in the county Wednesday, calling for equity in the delivery of health services and economic development. Commissioners wrote in the resolution — which board members took turns reading portions of aloud on their weekly video conference call — that they are "proud to represent and serve a diverse county." "The board has demonstrated and will continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to the belief that we should value and embrace diversity to be a better community. Also, the board has demonstrated and will continue to demonstrate a belief that all residents in our county should be treated equally and treated with dignity and respect; and whereas, The Lorain County Board of Commissioners declare racism as a public health crisis." The board noted that Lorain County Public Health has taken steps to address health disparities in the county, though commissioners recognize "there is more work for the community to do." "Communities of color across Ohio and our nation are impacted more greatly by the negative repercussions of historical racism, including limitations and access to health services, nutritious food, increased rates of lead poisoning, limited access to clean water, and higher rates of stroke and diabetes demonstrate the current impact of racism," according to the resolution. Furthermore, commissioners said, "health disparities have existed in America for more than 400 years — our country is now witnessing a coronavirus pandemic which is shining light on the long-running racial divide" with African American coronavirus patients dying in larger numbers and "disproportionately suffering due to longstanding, unaddressed health disparities, systematic racism and socioeconomic inequities." "We as a civil society have an obligation to raise awareness and work together to reverse this crisis," commissioners said, resolving to take the following steps to promote understanding and defeat racism: "To join and participate as active members of the Elyria/Lorain YWCA working group to promote understanding between diverse communities within Lorain County" "To support, promote and participate in community workshops and training on race and equity" "To engage and encourage local government leaders in Lorain County to advocate for equity in health care, education, housing and employment" "Work in partnership with our county health department and local health care community to address health disparities" "Work in partnership with community organizations that are confronting racism and committed to reversing racism as a public health crisis" "Urge and support federal, state and local initiatives to improve health care, education, housing and employment in communities of color" and "Urge and support federal, state and local initiatives to dismantle systemic racism" "Advocate for equity in the delivery of human and social services, economic development and public safety" "Urge every sector of our county to take steps to address and support areas that reduce the long term impact of systemic racism and health disparities." The resolution also called upon the Ohio Legislature; Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford; Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Montville Township; and Gov. Mike DeWine "to join with us to declare racism a public health crisis in Ohio and to enact equity in all policies." Commissioner Matt Lundy said the effort was undertaken in partnership with Lorain County Public Health. Commissioners heard a presentation on the racial health divide from Health Commissioner David Covell on June 10. Commissioner Lori Kokoski said her intent is to "promote peace and unity, during such a time of division." "We need to change hearts more than we need to change laws," she said in remarks after passing the resolution. Commissioner Sharon Sweda said she hoped that a turning point might come about with commissioners declaring the crisis, so there would be a chance to create new opportunities in healthcare and education, among other issues. "We have a renewed vigor and emphasis and hope that the county will join us," she said. County Administrator Jim Cordes also challenged the public to listen to what the board had to say. "Be equitable and kind to each other, and treat others as you want to be treated," he said. The issue has arisen recently in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis on May 25 after a white police officer knelt on his neck during an arrest for eight minutes. Lorain City Council declared racism a public health crisis on Monday, and the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus introduced legislation June 2 that would do so state-wide. Franklin County commissioners declared racism a public health crisis in mid-May, nearly a full week prior to Floyd's death. Commissioners also amended two resolutions passed in October to reflect a total increase of $400,000 to be spent by Lorain County Job & Family Services to contract with Lorain County Transit and Americab Inc. to provide nonemergency medical transportation services in 2020.The original contracts were for $450,000 for Lorain County Transit to provide the transportation, and for Americab to be paid $150,000. The total value of the two contracts is now $1 million. approved the Lorain County Sheriff's Office's entry into a grant award agreement with the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund grant worth more than $236,415. The grant includes a cash match from Sheriff's Office funds in the amount of $59,079. Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com. Follow him at @daveobrienCT on Twitter.