AGENCY TESTIMONY
COVID-19 mortality trends and racial equity improvements
0:20:17
·
82 sec
Dr. Morse presents the significant improvements in COVID-19 mortality rates and the narrowing of racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths.
- From 2021 to 2022, there was a 48% decrease in the rate of COVID-19 deaths
- The city is on track to surpass the goal of a 60% decrease by 2030
- Racial gaps in COVID-19 mortality have narrowed significantly since 2020
- In 2022, COVID-19 mortality was 1.2 times higher among Black residents than white and Hispanic counterparts, down from twice the rate in 2020
- COVID-19 is presented as a proof point for making meaningful and rapid change through a cross-sector approach and targeted resource allocation
Michelle Morse
0:20:17
Let's start with the good news.
0:20:19
We're gaining back years largely because COVID related mortality has dropped so dramatically in recent years.
0:20:25
From 2021 to 2022, we saw a 48% decrease in COVID 19 deaths, the rate of COVID 19 deaths.
0:20:35
We're well on our way to surpass our goal of a 60% decrease by 2030.
0:20:40
That drop is in and itself an enormous victory, but what stands out to me is that overall numbers have declined and the gaps between race racial groups have narrowed significantly.
0:20:51
At the height of the pandemic, there was massive racial inequity in COVID 19 related deaths.
0:20:57
In 2020, black and Hispanic New Yorkers were dying at twice the rate of white New Yorkers.
0:21:03
In 2022, COVID 19 mortality was 1.2 times higher among black residents than their white and Hispanic counterparts.
0:21:11
While these health outcomes are still not equitable, it is a meaningful improvement.
0:21:16
Racial inequity in COVID 19 deaths is now significantly less than it is among our other major mortality drivers.
0:21:24
COVID 19 is our proof point that we can make meaningful and rapid change when we have the political will to take a cross sector approach to public health and can invest in the resources needed in priority communities, all a part of operationalizing equity.
