Declares racism a public health crisis in New Jersey.
Impact
The resolution serves to highlight how structural racism is intertwined with public health issues, particularly in terms of unequal access to healthcare and resources. It notes that systemic inequities in health can lead to increased mortality rates and poorer health outcomes for marginalized communities. The impact of declaring racism a public health crisis is intended to mobilize efforts to address these disparities more effectively, including examining the role of healthcare providers and law enforcement in perpetuating these issues through mechanisms such as implicit biases and discriminatory practices.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 53 declares that racism is a public health crisis in the State of New Jersey. The resolution explicitly addresses the historical and systemic disadvantages faced by racial, ethnic, and religious groups, resulting in ongoing inequality that transcends generations. It cites a range of significant health disparities affecting primarily Black communities, such as higher incidences of chronic health conditions—including heart disease and stroke—and maternal mortality rates that are significantly skewed when compared to white counterparts. The resolution argues that these disparities are compounded by race-related stress and accessibility issues in healthcare systems.
Contention
In enacting this resolution, the New Jersey General Assembly also acknowledges the broader societal implications of racism as a determinant of health. It reiterates the calls from leading health organizations, including the American Medical Association, for the recognition of racism as a public health issue. The resolution aims to address community violence, particularly that inflicted by law enforcement, as a significant contributor to mental health stressors and broader social determinants of health, calling for more research and targeted approaches to mitigate these effects in affected communities.