Bias Against African Americans during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has made racial healthcare disparities a major topic of discussion. Black Americans are getting and dying from the virus at disproportionate rates and while the social determinants of health are large contributers, physician bias is also to blame. Due to outdated myths that devalue Black peoples' pain, some Black patients were sent home and told that their symptoms were not serious enough to be admitted to the hospital. They return home where they are unmonitored and are at risk of dying.

Caralyst is working to raise awareness about the prevalence of physician bias and prevent patients from having these negative experiences. For example, we will match Black patients with physicians who have experience working with Black patients. The medical community also needs to reestablish trust with patients who have had negative healthcare experiences in the past. By providing them the opportunity to search for a physician based on their humanstic needs, we can reassure patients that their physican understands their background and lived experiences and is able to provide culturally competant care.