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Coronavirus Breaking News

Source: Cameron Ridle / CAMERON RIDLE

TEMPLE HILLS, Md., June 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The National Capital Baptist Convention (N.C.B.C.), led by Reverend Charles McNeill, Jr., is taking immediate action to assess, test, track, treat, and potentially contain individuals compromised by the pandemic. A private, diverse, conglomerate of both small and large businesses are partnering to tackle the impact of COVID-19 in the African American community.  With the utilization of health pods to provide mobile testing options, this initiative will bring together both public and private sectors to deliver community-based access to getting tested for COVID-19 and potential treatment. Led by N.B.C.’s Chief Strategist, Melvin Forbes of Forbes Consulting stated, “The history of all solutions and progress made by African Americans has always started in our churches, from civil rights to human rights, voting rights, and economic rights.” With the combination of this faith-based business collaborative, we intend to reduce the underlying healthcare disparity gaps in the African American communities that have been highlighted during this pandemic. The unique community-based approach we have in place for COVID-19 is called PIElazation (Portable, Integratable, Expandable), providing mobile resources and implementing Eco-Tech Pro-IV Health Solution Pods locally to help make testing resources more accessible while providing education to reduce the disproportionality of this virus in our community.

Testing and treatment are vital to bringing both short and long-term solutions directly to the African American communities that need them most at this critical time.

According to the CDC, while the effects of COVID-19 on the health of racial and ethnic minority groups are still emerging, current data suggest a disproportionate burden of illness and death among racial and ethnic minority groups. CNN has reported new evidence that more African Americans may be dying from the coronavirus in the United States than whites or other ethnic groups, according to a new study. Black Americans represent 13.4% of the American population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Still, counties with higher Black populations account for more than half of all COVID-19 cases and almost 60% of deaths, the study found. The U.S. has reportedly spent $3 trillion on the COVID-19 crisis. To date, no substantive testing or resources have been allocated or disbursed in underserved communities that have large Black populations.

“One of the first charges I accepted and wholehearted embraced was the expansion of the Special Olympics of North America into the Faith and African American community. In this unprecedented time, God has answered our prayers; we are honored to join, and, more importantly, take action in all communities in collaboration with the National Baptist Convention. The country has lost millions of jobs, and upon hearing of the job strategy, which could employ not only caregivers but volunteers, parents, and loved ones, affected by COVID-19, I was blown away at the prospects of our athletes being trained in Bethune Academic Curriculum Kit (B.A.C.K.), specialized workforce development curriculum under development,” says Tony Wyllie, President of Special Olympics of North America. Recognizing the current disparities that exist within African American communities, N.B.C. has also teamed up with celebrity entertainers and athletes to address this critical issue further.

“Regrettably, we have food and health deserts in Prince George’s County. The tragic murder of George Floyd has also compounded things, as there are trust issues in our communities. The work we will do, in partnership with the National Baptist Convention, is what we should all rally around,” states All-Pro Defensive Back, DeAngelo Hall.

“We are encouraged that DeAngelo and his friends will engage directly into the community, like Prince George’s County, along with Brett Favre, Ray Lewis, and athletes from all sports. Sports are a part of the fabric of our community. We are excited to have an impact in the world of sports with our partnerships with former Patriot, Richard Myles, the founder, and Owner of the Minor Football League, as their players will also be tested,” states Reverend McNeill.

Courtesy of www.thebellereport.com