Addressing racism as a public health issue in Maryland Nicole Pasia | May 26, 2021 Share this: A panel of doctors, legislators and community leaders discussed the impact of racism in American health care at the 2021 Maryland State of Reform Health Policy Conference. Drawing from their own experiences, panelists discussed the way racism impacts different health care silos and what can be done to promote health equity. The conversation featured Sen. Mary Washington, Dr. Nicole Rochester, Dr. Michelle Gourdine, and Rev. Dr. Sandra Conner of Sehpard’s Hear Missionary Baptist Church.
The panelists begin with a deeper look into the history of American policy making and health care institutions, highlighting the underlying ideologies of white supremacy that exist within these institutions and continue to cause disparities for communities of color.