In mid-May 2020, the Center of Disease Control issued a report which states, in part:
The effects of COVID-19 on the health of racial and ethnic minority groups is still emerging; however, current data suggest a disproportionate burden of illness and death among racial and ethnic minority groups.
Much has been said about the current disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, very little attention has been placed on a plan for healing that will be essential post-pandemic.
I place special emphasis on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of our youth.
The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as: A psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who’ve experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault.
For many more, illness and death of family and friends and the real potential of personal illness or death have become thoughts which are their constant companions.