COVID-19 and the Present and Future of Black Communities: The Role of Black Physicians, Engineers, and Scientists : Proceedings of a Workshop

While the COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating health and economic impacts in the United States, communities of color, especially Black communities, have been disproportionately affected. On June 23, 2020, the Roundtable on Black Men and Black Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a virtual workshop to discuss the landscape of COVID-19, including how systemic racism contributes to the disproportionate effects related to infection rates and mortality of this virus and other health conditions. Presenters highlighted relevant research and creative responses from many perspectives, including how Black scientists, engineers, and doctors are contributing to solutions and are ready to do more. National Academies leaders and members also discussed the role of the National Academies in addressing the pandemic and underlying issues of systemic racism that have led to health disparities in the United States. This publication summarizes the presentation and discussion of the workshop. Table of ContentsFront Matter1 Introduction2 Keynote Session: The Landscape of COVID-193 Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Black Communities4 Exploring Views from the National Academies on COVID-19, Including Treatment and Policy Implications5 Community Response and Community Resilience6 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts from Workshop Co-ChairsAppendix A: Workshop AgendaAppendix B: Biographical Sketches of Presenters