LWV hosts presentation: Racism is a Public Health Crisis
Danielle Twemlow, community advocate, presented “Racism is a Public Health Crisis” at the Jan 3, 2023, League of Women Voters Topeka-Shawnee County Tuesday Topics. We've included highlights of the presentation below. The library is a partner with the League of Women Voters in sharing nonpartisan civic information.
Highlights of Danielle Twemlow's presentation “Racism is a Public Health Crisis” at the Jan 3, 2023, League of Women Voters Topeka-Shawnee County Tuesday Topics.
Understanding Racism is a Public Health Crisis
The Shawnee County Health Department Racial Equity Impact Analysis Group agreed on an operational definition of structural racism. A shared language is necessary to address racial equity. Their definition acknowledges that structural racism is a fundamental cause of health inequity. Structural racism normalizes cultural, institutional and personal hierarchies that disadvantage people of color, thus leading to adverse health and economic conditions. An important resource in this work is the Race Matters Institute, a national nonprofit that works to help groups become more race-informed and equity-focused in their work.
Taking Action - Three Steps
- Co-Sign the Declaration - "We aren't pointing fingers, rather we are looking at the data through a racial justice lens to guide our work."
- Self-Reflect - Read the Full Declaration with the Commitment to Action Steps
- Be a Champion - "Share the message, speak the truths, and together we can eliminate the barriers, dismantle the systemic practices and policies that perpetuate racism."
Data Sources
- Kansas Health Matters
- County Health Rankings
- Living Wage Calculation for Shawnee County, Kansas - Living Wage Calculation for Topeka, Kansas - from the MIT Living Wage Calculator. The living wage shown is the hourly rate that an individual in a household must earn to support his or herself and their family.
- Healthy People 2030 sets data-driven national objectives to improve health and well-being over the next decade.
- Fetal & Infant Mortality Review
- Topeka Racism as a Public Health Crisis Proclamation
- SNCO Racism as a Public Health Crisis Proclamation
Upcoming Tuesday Topics
Jake Fisher from the Shawnee County Election Office will present at the Tue, Feb 7 Tuesday Topics. You may attend in person at the library or by Zoom. Find the Zoom link and more information on the library's calendar. Email connect@tscpl.org with any questions.
