Washington D.C. — U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is leading the push to declare racism a public health crisis, reintroducing a resolution that would formally recognize the role of race in health disparities in America. Senator Warnock previously joined with a group of colleagues to introduce the resolution in April 2021.

“Dr. King once said that of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “It is imperative that we recognize and take action to end racial disparities in our health care system, ensuring every American has equal access to the care and quality of life they deserve. I will continue to reach across the aisle to pass policy solutions to address racism and discrimination in health care, from tackling the maternal health crisis to lowering costs for insulin and other prescription drugs, and importantly, closing the health care coverage gap. I’m committed to doing all I can at the federal level to help all Georgians live healthy, safe lives.”

The resolution acknowledges the history of racism and discrimination within health care and the systemic barriers that people of color continue to face when seeking care. The resolution also highlights the effects of systemic racism on the health and wellness of communities of color, resulting in shorter life expectancy, worsened health outcomes, and enhanced exposure to harmful or dangerous environments. This resolution encourages concrete action to address health disparities and inequity across all sectors in society.

Senator Warnock has long championed eliminating racial and ethnic health inequities. In June 2022, he introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA), comprehensive legislation to provide a roadmap to eliminating racial and ethnic health inequities. He has also worked on the front lines to address maternal health disparities, including passing the bipartisan Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act to address the nation’s maternal health crisis, which was signed into law.