Racism as a Public Health Crisis Archives

Cleveland group addressing racism as a public health crisis promises community meetings in 2024 after delay

By Mandy Kraynak ● Social Equity ● December 20, 2023

The Racism as a Public Health Crisis Coalition, which formed in 2020, shared its work at two community-focused meetings this year. In January and February, it will hold several community meetings where residents can learn about the group’s work and share feedback.

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RAPHC-C co-chair speaking at a podium on the stage next to a project that reads "What is RAPHC-C?"

Cleveland goes public with plans to address racism as a public health crisis

By Mandy Kraynak ● Social Equity ● May 2, 2023

The Racism as a Public Health Crisis Coalition (RAPHC-C), which formed in 2020 when the city declared racism a public health crisis, held a town hall meeting on Friday. The group’s co-chair Marsha Mockabee said the event was an “appetizer” for more community engagement coming in the future.

Beyond French fries: Coalition proposes healthy kids’ restaurant meal standards

By Michelle B. Jackson ● Health ● November 1, 2022

The standards presented by the Healthy Kids’ Meal Coalition would require restaurants to offer healthier options, such as whole grain bread instead of white bread, in bundled kids’ meals.

Cleveland coalition tasked with addressing racism takes first steps

By Mandy Kraynak ● Government ● August 9, 2022

Two years ago, Cleveland City Council passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. Now, the coalition tasked with addressing the crisis is taking its first public steps.

Who pays property taxes to support services when the economy is dominated by nonprofits?

By Stephanie Czekalinski ● Government ● June 23, 2022

Fifty years ago, when Clevelanders needed to fund schools, pay for parks or expand libraries they relied on booming tax revenue from large companies. General Motors, Republic Steel Corp. and Ford Motor Co. employed thousands of people and provided a tax base to fund services for the community. But Cuyahoga County’s economy has changed.

Color-coded map of Cleveland showing redlining

The debate over tax breaks for nonprofit Cleveland-area hospitals is also about racism and redlining

By Stephanie Czekalinski & Michael Indriolo ● Social Equity ● June 22, 2022

For years, hospitals and public policy wonks have been engaged in an ongoing debate over whether nonprofit hospitals provide adequate benefits to the community to make the tax breaks they receive a good deal for taxpayers. That debate is further complicated by the history of racist policies like redlining that still affect Clevelanders today.

Cleveland nonprofit hospitals get millions in property tax breaks. Many are asking, ‘Is it worth it?’

By Stephanie Czekalinski & Michael Indriolo ● Economy ● June 21, 2022

An Ideastream analysis of Cuyahoga County fiscal records shows that the clinic owned at least $2.4 billion in tax-exempt property countywide as of 2018 assessments. If that property was taxable, it would contribute about $84 million to government coffers annually.

Closed-door meetings leave residents in the dark on Cleveland’s plan to address health equity

By Michael Indriolo ● Social Equity ● April 26, 2022

Cleveland City Council created a coalition of government leaders and advocacy groups to dismantle systemic racism in the city when it declared racism a public health crisis two years ago. Since then, the coalition leadership says the group has met monthly in secrecy.

Cuyahoga County is trying to address decades of disinvestment in communities of color. Is it working?

By Michael Indriolo & Stephanie Czekalinski ● Development ● April 15, 2022

Cuyahoga County officials say they’re committed to reducing health disparities through through economic development, but some local racial equity experts and community stakeholders question whether the county’s initiatives are having a real impact.

Photos: Making healthcare more accessible for Cleveland’s Congolese community

By Michael Indriolo ● Health ● March 31, 2022

Snow fell outside last Saturday, but the mood was warmer inside the Amour Du Christ Church on Clark Avenue where a few of Cleveland’s Congolese refugees braved the cold for a health clinic.