The life-crushing impact of America’s racism in law enforcement, employment, housing and education has always been obvious for those who refused to turn away. Now, it’s being documented for the COVID-19 (C-19) pandemic’s assault on health in our country.

Nationally, the mortality rate of Black C-19 patients is TRIPLE that of whites. In some states, Black C-19 patient deaths are six times (Wisconsin) to seven times (Kansas) greater than white patients.

Many Black Americans avoid wearing masks fearing they will be targeted by police. They often have less access to C-19 testing. Fearing job loss, often without health insurance, Black Americans delay seeking care but are three times more likely to require hospitalization because of the severity of their disease. And, when resources are limited, they are less likely to be put on ventilators.

What can be done? C-19 disparities argue powerfully for universal healthcare, an issue we have been advocating for since ORD2 Indivisible was formed in early 2017. 

We will continue to lobby our members of Congress to make universal healthcare a reality. In the meantime, we can improve C-19 healthcare for communities of color by putting testing centers into those communities. We must demand that the government financially supports all people in isolation by replacing lost income. Workers need adequate personal protection equipment, especially when they cannot maintain social distancing, e.g., meatpacking houses, nursing homes, grocery stores, warehouses and prisons.

Fighting C-19 effectively requires structural reform. As a Harvard physician wrote in the British Medical Journal last week,

“There is no stopping COVID-19 without stopping racism.”

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**ACTION TWO: CALL COMPLICIT GREG WALDEN**

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Non-ORD2 Indivisible Sponsored Ongoing Event: Oregon Health Authority Coronavirus Update Zoom Conference Calls
June 10, 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ongoing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
#MyORHealth  Support is available for Oregon’s “helpers”

Lines for Life has created a Virtual Wellness Room to offer support to helpers, mental health professionals, first responders, social workers and anyone considered an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon. Each check-in call will have a facilitator to guide the conversation.

“We at Lines for Life want to thank you for all the work you do to keep our communities safe,” the organization said. “We are offering a place for helpers to exchange stories of hope and areas of need. We especially want to hear what things are coming up for you personally and explore how we can cheer one another on to continue the good work you are already doing. We ultimately want to create space to breathe out stress and breathe in hope.”

The meetings are held using Zoom conference calls from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at this link: https://zoom.us/j/4848426773. Please share this invite with anyone in your network of Oregon helpers.

Friday Night at the Guerrilla Drive-In – Medford
June 19 @ 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/friday-night-at-the-guerrilla-drive-in-medford/

Ongoing Action: ORD2 Indivisible Virtual Postcard and Letter Writing Parties

Postcards to Voters:

Our postcard team is temporarily suspending the delivery of postcards to your door. However, the good news is that you will find everything you need to continue writing from home (including templates to print your own or purchase pre-printed cards) here: https://postcardstovoters.org

You can sign up through https://postcardstovoters.org/volunteer/

To avoid unnecessary trips to the post office, order stamps directly from the USPS:
https://store.usps.com/store/product/buy-stamps/coral-reefs-postcard-stamp-S_745104

…and voila, you’re ready to go! Send an e-mail to with any questions.