It harkens my soul as I see finally that society is coming to grips with the well-known fact that racism is a factor in the health of people of color.

The letter states “It is time for the United Stated to officially recognize racism as a public health issue and declare a public health emergency to address the negative impacts racism is having on the physical and mental well-being of millions of people.”

Protect others by wearing a mask, especially if you are in the presence of people with compromised immune systems or other health conditions that make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

The bandage is being removed from the sore of health inequities and life’s inequities for people of color.

Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM.