Ethnic Disparity in COVID Deaths

Last weekend we honored two Indigenous women who died at a young age of COVID-19. This is notable both because of the rich history of native peoples on this continent and because of the singular accomplishments of both women. Their deaths also highlight the ethnic disparity in COVID deaths.

Every COVID-19 death is tragic. Each life mattered. Some people’s influence in life extended to a small, close circle of loved ones. Others were influential in a wider sphere. All their lives were valuable beyond words – although the words of the people who have shared their loved one’s story are powerful enough to give us a glimpse into their influence.

Some people’s deaths also reflect the special challenges faced by those in specific racial and ethnic groups. Sources ranging from medical journals to news coverage have documented this. In general, there have been higher case rates and higher mortality rates among Black, Hispanic and Indigenous people. The pandemic is a natural phenomenon; its spread, however, is strongly influenced by social and policy factors that can lead to increased vulnerability among certain groups.

The Kaiser Family Foundation recently published their data-based analysis of racial disparities in COVID-19 cases and deaths. They report that Indigenous groups (classified by the CDC as “American Indian or Alaska Native” and “Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander”) have consistently had higher case numbers and numbers of deaths. (It’s important to note that this doesn’t reflect a continuous proportion, but for most of the pandemic to date these ethnic groups had higher rates, as did Hispanic and Black people.)

There are multiple reasons for the ethnic disparity in COVID deaths; one example is lack of access to testing and vaccination. Whatever the reason, it is a tragedy that America shouldn’t tolerate. We should honor the memories of Judge Claudette White and Valentina Blackhorse and all the Indigenous people who have lost their lives to COVID. 

Ruth Nasrullah is the co-founder of COVID-19 Wall of Memories and a freelance journalist.