The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene called racism “a public health crisis” Monday in response to the protests following the death of George Floyd.
The New York City Department of Health has spearheaded the city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, the agency said that Floyd’s death “is part of the system of racism that permits police brutality, unjust policing and mass incarceration.” It says the New York City Department of Health is “committed to addressing structural racism as a social determinant of health.”
The statement did not address the possibility of increased transmission of the coronavirus, an overriding concern for the city in past weeks. On Sunday, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said there was “no question” that the protest would lead to an increase in cases.
The New York City Department of Health is not the first to put racism at the top public health priority. Last week, New York City Councilman Mark Levine tweeted, “Let’s be clear about something: if there is a spike in coronavirus cases in the next two weeks, don’t blame the protesters. Blame racism.” Levine is chairman of the Council’s health committee.
