Revised from December 8, 2020 Samantha Castro

Annotated Bibliography: COVID-19 & Racial Health Disparities

Purpose statement
Our annotated bibliography presents sources that discuss the ongoing racial health disparities and
its impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout American history, minorities have been
experiencing unequal treatment and access to healthcare, most commonly known as health
disparities. These individuals face unrelenting obstacles in achieving optimal health. Not only are
their healthcare resources limited, but the environment in which these individuals live and work
tends to be hazardous as well. Unfortunately, these circumstances persist and, in fact, even worse
now with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our purpose is to present the dynamic
between the ongoing health disparities within minorities and COVID-19.

We have organized our research into four categories:

(1) background of racial health disparities
(2) statistical data on race
(3) inequity in healthcare
(4) solutions to racial health equity in relation to COVID-19

For our background, we present sources discussing the ongoing health disparities in minorities in
conjunction with low socioeconomic status; furthermore, affirming how it drastically impacts
education and ultimately an individual’s career. Another study also discusses debunking the
“black immunity” myth mentioned at the beginning of the pandemic, exposing the truths of
COVID-19 and its effects on minority groups. We provide visual statistical data to show testing
rates and the concerning numbers in positive cases, hospitalization, and mortality rates. Racial
health disparities also lead to the complication of accessibility and inequity with health
insurance, treatment, and medical care, which is even more concerning during this COVID-19
pandemic. These are devastating and trying times, especially for most minority communities;
therefore, we offer solutions to optimize their health during the pandemic. Ultimately, bridging
the gap between minorities and proper healthcare.