RI Legislative Black and Latino Caucus Presses Raimondo to Release COVID-19 Minority Data

RI Legislative Black and Latino Caucus Presses Raimondo to Release COVID-19 Minority Data

The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus is calling on Governor Gina Raimondo and Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott to release data on how the COVID-19 virus is "disproportionately affecting Rhode Island’s minority communities."

Currently, no data has been released by the administration showing how the virus is affecting different groups of Rhode Islanders. 

“We are seeing across the country that COVID-19 is hitting minority communities particularly hard compared to other racial groups.  We are asking Governor Raimondo and Dr. Alexander-Scott to release the data on how this virus is affecting Rhode Island’s minority residents so that we may develop a course of action on how to stop its spread and effectively treat those affected by the virus," said Rep. Jean Philippe Barros (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket), Chairman of the RI Legislative Black and Latino Caucus. 

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Earlier this week, GoLocal wrote in an editorial, "In Michigan and Illinois, more than 40% of deaths are among African Americans, who make up just 14% and 15% of their populations, respectively. In Louisiana, African Americans represent 70% of deaths but account for only 33% of the state’s population."

In Rhode Island, Raimondo’s administration has continued to refuse to release racial data.

"Whether this is due to economic factors, lack of medical resources, non-access to proper nutrition, or underlying conditions that affect minority communities more than others, it is becoming clear that COVID-19 is ravaging minorities more than any other group.  The public and its leaders need this data in order to stop this troubling pattern and this is why we are urging Governor Raimondo and Dr. Alexander-Scott to release this important data so that we have the whole picture of the impact of COVID-19, particularly on Rhode Island’s minority residents,” added Barros.

The member of the caucus are Representative Barros; Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown); Rep. Joseph S. Almeida (D-Dist. 12, Providence); Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket); Rep. Lianna Cassar (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence); Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence); Rep. Raymond Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence); Rep. Mario Mendez (D-Dist. 13, Providence, Johnston); Rep. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell (D-Dist. 5, Providence); Rep. Carlos Tobon (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket); Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence); Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket); Sen. Harold M. Metts (D-Dist. 6, Providence); and Sen. Ana Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence).