POLI 330N Week 1 Assignment: Current Event – Local Issue

POLI 330N Week 1 Assignment: Current Event – Local Issue

Student Name

Chamberlain University

POLI-330: Political Science

Prof. Name:

Date

Health Disparities in New York City: An Analysis of a Current Local Issue

Overview

Health disparities in New York City have persisted for years, disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic populations compared to white and Asian residents. According to Shahrigian (2021), these inequities include underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and inadequate treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these disparities, particularly in the distribution of vaccines. Black and Hispanic residents have experienced significantly higher mortality rates, yet vaccination efforts in their communities have been insufficient. Vaccination sites in minority neighborhoods frequently lacked adequate supplies, leaving individuals to endure long wait times only to discover that no vaccines were available. These are often the same communities that suffered the highest rates of infection and death during the pandemic.

Although federal, state, and local leaders promised to increase vaccine availability in underserved areas, many individuals remained uninformed about their eligibility and struggled to locate vaccination sites. Working in the city hospital system, I frequently observed individuals wandering through facilities, confused and frustrated over vaccine availability. Many had waited for hours, only to face disappointment. This highlights the pressing need for improved communication and a more equitable distribution system to ensure timely access to vaccines.

POLI 330N Week 1 Assignment: Current Event – Local Issue

Shahrigian (2021) further notes that many New Yorkers, particularly people of color, rely on safety-net hospitals for care. These hospitals received fewer vaccines despite serving the populations hit hardest by the pandemic. Adding to this challenge, proposals to cut budgets for these hospitals threaten the progress needed to address these inequities. The article critiques political promises that often go unfulfilled, especially during election cycles, underscoring the lack of resources allocated to marginalized communities.

Challenges in Vaccine Access and Distribution

Efforts to distribute vaccines in New York City have been met with significant obstacles, including proposed budget cuts to city hospitals. Such cuts disproportionately affect underinsured and uninsured populations who rely on these facilities for care. While vaccines are advertised as free, some individuals reported being asked for insurance information at pharmacies and urgent care centers. These barriers undermine access for low- and moderate-income residents, making it critical to ensure that vaccines remain free and accessible to all.

Despite the city’s progress in reducing COVID-19 cases, certain neighborhoods continue to experience spikes. Reopening the city without addressing these vaccination gaps is concerning, as many people attend crowded events without masks, mistakenly believing the pandemic is over. Addressing these disparities requires not only increasing vaccine availability but also providing resources for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. This includes mobile testing units, education initiatives, and access to protective supplies such as masks and sanitizers.

In addition, many individuals avoid seeking care at hospitals due to fears of mistreatment or being placed on ventilators. Instead, they travel to more affluent areas, only to encounter similar systemic issues. Addressing these fears and improving trust in local healthcare systems is crucial to ensuring that all residents receive equitable care.

Personal Experience and Advocacy

As a Black nurse working during the pandemic, I have witnessed firsthand the inequities in healthcare. Patients from marginalized communities often face mistreatment and a lack of resources, making it challenging for them to receive adequate care. I advocate for my patients as if they were family members, striving to provide the support they deserve despite the heavy patient loads and systemic challenges I encounter.

To address these issues, I actively engage with my local community, working to improve conditions for those most affected by these disparities. My efforts include raising awareness about health inequities and advocating for policy changes that prioritize underserved populations. While distributing vaccines is essential, we must also address the root causes of health disparities to ensure long-term solutions for affected communities.

Table: Key Issues and Recommendations

References

Shahrigian, S. (n.d.). NYC mayoral wannabes grapple with health disparities for New Yorkers of color. NY Daily News. Retrieved March 14, 2021, from https://www.nydailynews.com

POLI 330N Week 1 Assignment: Current Event – Local Issue

Whitman Cobb, W. N. (2020). Political science today (1st ed.). Washington, DC: Sage, CQ Press.