The COVID-19 Pandemic has been a wake-up call for many Americans and municipalities in terms of racial disparities and health inequities as the pandemic has disproportionately affected BIPOC communities. In June 2020, Black Cape Codders were 3x more likely to contract the disease. This difference was attributed to social determinants such as housing, income, and occupation. Many parts of our lives, such as our education, the neighborhoods we live in, and the availability and quality of food and healthcare, all come together to influence our health. Issues in these areas can make us more vulnerable to chronic diseases, morbidities, and infections. Data shows nationwide that BIPOC Americans are more likely to suffer and die from illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and heart disease compared to white Americans and often have shorter life-spans.

While Cape Codders of Color have been shown to be more affected by COVID-19 and, in a recent survey, demonstrated different healthcare priorities, very little information and research exists into the disparities and solutions that can ensure health equity of Cape Codders of Color. That is why we at Cape Cod Voices are launching our second long-term change initiative in Health Equity. Our long-term change initiative will focus on research on health outcomes, mechanisms of racism, and the needs of our Cape Codders of Color, who have been under-served and under-represented for too long, in order to create unique and specific interventions that can increase their quality of life and lifespans.