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COVID-19 racial disparities and testing importance in black communities

The CDC reports African Americans die at a higher rate than any other race from complications due COVID-19. Access to testing is more important now than ever.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —

Death rates among black community are 92.3 deaths per 100,000 population, more than twice the rates of whites-- at 45.2 per hundred thousand. 

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In Alabama, African Americans make up about 42 percent of the confirmed COVID-19 cases

The CDC says residential segregation, food deserts and higher rates of workers in essential businesses can be factors in the disparity. So, testing options are more important now than ever. 

The Madison County Chapter of the NAACP has been pushing this message. Jerry Burnet, President of the Huntsville Madison County NAACP says, “ A large amount of black people suffer with diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma-- and when you combine that with coronavirus, you have a double impact.” 

President Burnet says some members have been tested at Huntsville Hospital mobile units. 

The Huntsville Hospital system has had 20 remote testing sites so far. 

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