HEC Congratulates President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on Electoral Victory

November 23, 2020

The Health Equity Collaborative extends its sincere congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Their successful presidential campaign represents a victory on behalf of our nation’s most vulnerable populations, particularly communities of color. We look forward to working with the administration to advance health equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

As the first Black, Asian American, and Female Vice President, Kamala Harris has shattered not one, not two, but three glass ceilings. Her ascension to the United States’ second-highest office is an inspiring journey that underscores a foundational principle of our democracy: given the proper tools, anyone can succeed.

In a recent speech, Harris famously said, “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last.” She can follow through on her admirable goal of encouraging underrepresented Americans to run for elected office by working to provide members of these groups with the tools they need to succeed — primarily, by eliminating health disparities that presently plague our nation’s minority communities.

Biden’s and Harris’ formation of a COVID-19 task force is an encouraging step in the right direction. The incoming administration has tapped some of the country’s top health officials, academics, and medical professionals to craft a response to the raging pandemic. This advisory group will be instrumental in tackling the health disparities that have led Black, Indigenous and Latino Americans to suffer a COVID-19 death rate triple that of White Americans.

Already, over 100,000 minority Americans have lost their lives to the virus, with thousands more at risk during the ongoing second wave.

In a recent speech, President-elect Biden stated, “The advisory board will help shape my approach to managing the surge in reported infections; ensuring vaccines are safe, effective, and distributed efficiently, equitably, and free; and protecting at-risk populations.” These are the precise objectives necessary to slow the spread of the virus and improve the health of the vulnerable communities that have suffered so greatly.

The Health Equity Collaborative stands at the ready to work alongside President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris to help them break down the barriers that prevent at-risk communities from obtaining the high-quality care enjoyed by many non-minority Americans.

Those looking to join the cause can learn more about proposals to help our nation’s vulnerable by visiting our website and viewing our recent video campaign, which explains the need to address health disparities with solutions that meet the needs of the many, not just the few.

The next four years hold great promise. Together, we can ensure they reach their full potential.