The combined forces of the COVID-19 pandemic, elevated demands for racial equity, and broad economic devastation are shattering people’s sense of safety and well-being. People of color are especially facing the greatest challenges of this time, making children more at risk for childhood trauma.

Latino and Black residents compared with white residents have been:
  • 3x as likely to become infected by COVID-19
  • 2x as likely to die from the virus.
 (NY Times, July 2020)
 
People of color are:
  • At increased risk for illness due to higher rates of underlying health conditions
  • More likely to be uninsured and lack access to care
  • More likely to work in service industries that are particularly at risk for loss of income
  • More likely to live in housing situations that make it difficult to social distance
  • Often work in jobs where they cannot work from home
  • Have less access to mental health and substance use treatment services
(SAMSHA)

The pandemic has made it clear that everyone’s health and well-being are intertwined. Our response to this crisis will only be effective if we include the people and places left out by our current systems. Our policies and strategies must focus on creating an equitable society for our future. 

Webinar Series

This three-part webinar series, presented by Ingrid Cockhren in June 2020, provides an understanding of health equity, collective trauma, and equitable recovery through historical and societal lenses. 

Discussion Guide

This guide was developed to help you learn more about trauma and equity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and to facilitate conversations in your organizations and networks. It was created in collaboration with Ingrid Cockhren, M.Ed, TN & Midwest Regional Community Facilitator and ACEs Trainer with ACEs Connection.

Online Resources

Join ACEs Connection at www.acesconnection.com to find updated resources and to join groups having conversations on these topics: