BIO’s Dr. McMurry-Heath Calls Congressional Hearing “Important Step” to Addressing Covid-19 Health Disparities
BIO President and CEO Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath issued the following statement in advance of a congressional subcommittee hearing in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on racial and ethnic disparities in Covid-19:
“The disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on communities of color is adding another painful dimension to this devastating disease, and it is time to take action. Today’s hearing is an important step in confronting the inequalities we are witnessing in this pandemic and to exploring concrete solutions.
“BIO and our member companies are committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to address the discrepancies in care facing too many minority patients and families. The response from our industry to develop vaccines and treatments to address the pandemic has been unprecedented, and it's important that these therapies and vaccines, once approved, are accessible for everyone regardless of where they may live or the color of their skin.
“I’d like to applaud the committee’s leadership from both sides of the aisle, as well as the other committees that have held similar hearings, for shining a spotlight on this critical issue, and I am hopeful we can advance real solutions that improve health outcomes for all patients.”
Learn more about BIO’s leadership on diversity & inclusion at bio.org/diversity or watch the recent discussion at BIO Digital 2020 with industry leaders on the state of race and equity within the biotechnology industry.
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