COVID-19, Structural Racism, and Mental Health Inequities: Policy Implications for an Emerging Syndemic.
Ruth S. Shim,Steven M. Starks +1 more
TLDR
In this paper, the authors proposed steps that can be taken to protect essential workers and other "vulnerable" populations; engage and empower communities; optimize community-led crisis response interventions; improve data collection about the intersection of COVID-19, structural racism, and mental health inequities; support school-based interventions; expand financial supports for mental health service delivery; expand health care insurance coverage to increase access and lower out-of-pocket costs; and promote workforce diversity.Abstract:
The complex interactions between the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, structural racism, and mental health inequities have led to devastating health, economic, and social consequences. The intersection of these three conditions, which meets criteria for a syndemic (synergistic epidemics), presents numerous policy challenges-and opportunities. Addressing these issues in a unified manner, using a syndemic theory approach, can lead to significant progress and effective solutions for otherwise intransigent problems in society. This article proposes steps that can be taken to protect "essential workers" and other "vulnerable" populations; engage and empower communities; optimize community-led crisis response interventions; improve data collection about the intersection of COVID-19, structural racism, and mental health inequities; support school-based interventions; expand financial supports for mental health service delivery; expand health care insurance coverage to increase access and lower out-of-pocket costs; and promote workforce diversity. Emphasis on local, state, and federal policy interventions that prioritize equity and justice and focus on collective health and well-being will ultimately lead us on a more sustainable and equitable path.read more
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Association of Social Determinants of Health and Vaccinations With Child Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored intersecting concerns about COVID-19 and racial injustice against Black people in the United States using a syndemic perspective using a multistate needs assessment project.
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Needs, gaps and opportunities for standard and e-mental health care among at-risk populations in the Asia Pacific in the context of COVID-19: a rapid scoping review.
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