Hispanic/Latinx health equity: Research, education & initiatives

COVID-19 has shown that the Hispanic/Latinx community in many states has not only experienced a higher number of cases and deaths than the general population, but that the pandemic has also exacerbated preexisting inequities.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, AMA looks into the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the Latinx community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the Latinx community across the United States. The AMA's Center for Health Equity's just released report, "Latinx COVID-19 Health Inequities: Insights from Key Stakeholders," analyzes the reasons behind these inequities.

The report shows the disproportionate toll of the pandemic on the community, and what needs to be done to better understand the communication needs and opportunities to support physicians and health care organizations working with the Latinx communities impacted by COVID-19.

“Another thing we've been hearing and seeing in clients in the hospital, a lot of materially poor or working-class families who are now unemployed. Whatever little bit of resources they're already hanging on by a thread and now they're unemployed..."

—Report participant

The report found that the Latinx fatality rate suggests deaths occur at a rate disproportionate to their share of the U.S. population.

• As of June 2020, Latinx cases were disproportionately represented in 42 of the 50 states.
• While the Latinx community accounts for 18% of the U.S. population, they now make up 33% of COVID-19 cases
• Latinx communities are over represented in 3 of the 31 states reporting fatalities along with Latinx demographic data.

• Latinx COVID-19 Health Inequities: Insights from Key Stakeholders