The Governor's Office says Governor Sisolak signed a proclamation to formally name racism as a public health crisis on Wednesday.
Officials said given Nevada's diverse population, this call to action raises awareness so Nevada does not perpetuate poor health outcomes due to systemic racism during and after the pandemic.
“Institutional and systemic racism has gone on far too long in this country and in this State. Based on research, we are taking a proactive approach in joining fellow leaders around the country to declare racism as a public health crisis, “ said Governor Steve Sisolak. “I am grateful to be joined by the Nevada Legislature in recognizing that racism manifests in measurable ways, including in public health. I look forward to working with Nevada leaders and the Office of Minority Health and Equity on this critical issue.”
The Governor's Office says experts and studies show that negative social determinants, with racism being at the forefront, have impacted the health of minority communities. They said this has also been demonstrated in many forms including inequitable access to mental health services and a lack of educational and career opportunities, among others.
They said the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the challenges caused by racial disparities within Nevada's communities, especially in the form of virus and environmental exposure risks, and through all major stages of health care.
To see the full proclamation, see the document below.
