A new campaign called #NoBodyIsDisposable is offering survival strategies, advocacy strategies, sample letters, tips and additional resources to people of higher body weights, disabled people, elders, people of color, and other marginalized communities uniquely impacted by the current COVID-19 crisis.
Triage policies during the pandemic may be influenced by discriminatory biases held against impoverished, disabled, LGBTQ2IA+, homeless, incarcerated, and other individuals affected by social inequities. Individuals in these communities must have access to practical resources for combating any discrimination they may encounter in a medical or emergency setting during the outbreak.
The campaign website offers 3 actions to take now that can be beneficial for people within these populations:
- Contact elected officials
- Sign the open letter to care providers and hospitals
- Post a solidarity selfie
The NoBody is Disposable Coalition was developed by people who feel they may be especially impacted by the COVID-19 triage plans, as well as allies who hope to end discrimination in medical settings for friends and loved ones. The toolkit was created in a collaborative effort involving many perspectives on the complexities of navigating barriers to equal care.
The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is sharing this toolkit in the hopes that anyone who may face a time where the need for self-advocacy in a hospital or medical setting arises, plenty of resources and tips are available to manage such a challenging and potentially formidable situation. This toolkit could also be helpful for medical staff hoping to learn more about potential disparities and what actions to take to prevent bias in their respective care settings. Discrimination is a complex problem with very real consequences, tools must be available during times of crisis.
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