The issue I am most likely addressing in my brief focuses on the systemic inequality in access to healthcare and treatment services. Black and brown neighborhoods of lower socioeconomic status face infrastructural healthcare disparities that result in unhealthier lifestyles, “medical mistrust,” and ultimately a lower life expectancy.

I am responding to this issue amidst the exigence of the global COVID-19 pandemic. I will use statistics centered around infection and death rates from COVID-19 to characterize the issue and show how more diverse, lower income neighborhoods were hit hardest by the virus. Health, vaccines, and treatment options have been daily headlines for the past year now, so I think this issue is very fitting of the times.

Healthcare inequities is a mechanical issue in American society. Much like many other disparities faced by lower income urban neighborhoods, the “system” results in an unequal distribution of resources, including healthcare facilities. The lower average income of these neighborhoods fails to attract businesses, promotes higher crime rates, and results in a higher need for healthcare services, yet they are met with less available resources.

I will likely utilize the “system changes” policy instrument when forming my issue brief. Just as public education is a systemic issue in black and brown urban neighborhoods, the lack of access to doctors, healthcare facilities, insurance, and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle result in a lower quality of life and a cycle of crime, drug use, and other unhealthy habits.