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Long-standing systemic and structural racism has led to the deep health disparities that as health advocates we regularly reference: 

Rates of COVID-19 among Black Georgians outpace their share of the state’s population.

Black mothers in Georgia are twice as likely to give birth to a low-birthweight baby as white Georgians.

Rates of HIV diagnosis are among Black Georgians are six times higher than among white Georgians and more than twice the state’s overall rate.

Black Georgians report higher rates of asthma, diabetes, and other chronic diseases compared to Georgians of other races and ethnicities.

Black Georgians experience higher levels of poverty, food insecurity, and joblessness, all of which impact their health.

The same racist systems & structures that have produced these health outcomes have led to the murders of black people in Georgia and across the country.

This reality and the systems that allow it to persist are not new. Both are unacceptable.

Georgians for a Healthy Future stands with its Black staff, board members, and partners to affirm that Black lives matter. Through our policy advocacy, coalition building and community engagement, GHF is committed to dismantling the racist structures that threaten the health and well-being of Black Georgians and their communities. GHF is also committed to examining our own organizational structures and practices for ways in which we can more fully embody equity, a process which we began earlier this year.

As GHF continues our imperfect work in pursuit of racial justice and health equity, we invite you to join us:

• Contact your elected officials, including your mayor, city council members, and district attorney to advocate for accountability and change, such as the policy changes recommended by the American Public Health Association and PolicyLink
• Want more advocacy? Contact Governor Kemp and your state legislators and ask them to expand Medicaid when they return to the state Capitol this month. More than one-third of uninsured, low-income Georgians who could gain health coverage through Medicaid are Black and more than half are people of color
• Donate to Black-led health advocacy and service organizations like the Black Mamas Matter, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Feminist Women’s Health Center, SisterSong, SOWEGA Rising, and other groups serving your community
• Vote, volunteer and seek other ways to be active in your community
• Build power in marginalized, predominantly Black communities: Support BVM Capacity Building Institute and help provide training and support for community‑based organizations
• For non-black allies: deepen your understanding of how racism affects all of us by reading anti‑racism resources and having conversations with your family and friends
• Take care of yourself and your loved ones