Shackleford presents Indiana Health Disparities Task Force findings in study committee

INDIANAPOLIS – Last week, State Representative Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis), Chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), presented the findings from the Indiana Health Disparities Task Force during the Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services.

On April 14, the IBLC sent a letter to Governor Holcomb recommending the establishment of the Indiana Health Disparities Task Force. They then collaborated with the Interagency State Council on Black and Minority Health, the Indiana State Department of Health - Office of Minority Health, and the Indiana Minority Health Coalition to create the Task Force and present a corrective action plan to address health disparities, the prison population, jails, and juvenile detention centers in Indiana.

The Indiana Health Disparities Task Force was divided into eight committees dedicated to solving the health disparities evident in the COVID-19 pandemic. These committees were focused on: communication and education, documented and undocumented immigrants, frontline workers, incarcerated individuals and staff members, nursing home and long-term care facilities, individuals with preexisting conditions, and uninsured or underinsured individuals.

“I am proud of the dedication, diligence and persistence that each member of this Task Force put forth to create this report,” Shackleford said. “It's no secret that Black Hoosiers are suffering at a higher rate during this pandemic and it is my sincere hope that my presentation leads to swift recommendations from the legislature. The longer we wait, the more people we will lose.”

To view the full Indiana Health Disparity Task Force report, click here and to download the PowerPoint presentation file, click here.