Black Nurses Collaborative Approach to Addressing COVID-19 in Black Communities

As with other national disasters, epidemics, and pandemics, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted health disparities in Black communities in the USA. Healthcare providers, community activists, politicians, members of faith-based organizations, professional athletes, and Black families are asking crucial questions about why Black and Brown people are disproportionately infected by, and dying from, the COVID-19. Evidence in healthcare and social sciences literature demonstrates that historically, systemic racism and injustices play a large role in the health and well-being of Blacks living in the USA. For decades, the National Black Nurses Association has been on the forefront, engaging our people using a collaborative community-based practice model. The healthcare goal in the USA should center on health protection, promotion, and prevention, moving toward a wellness model and away from treatment of illnesses that contribute to healthcare waste. Finally, awareness of social determinants of health has taken center stage, demonstrating how laws, policies, and practice affect health outcomes and the well-being of Black and Brown communities. In order to address social determinants of health and healthcare inequity, the National Black Nurses Association has called for an increase in the number of Black registered nurses and licensed vocational and practical nurses. The healthcare goal in the USA should center on health protection, promotion, and preventions moving toward a wellness model and away from treatment of illnesses that contributes to healthcare waste.