by Sahar Chmais
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has agreed to partake in a panel discussion addressing the impact of COVID-19 on Latino and minority communities.
The Texas Association of Mexican American Chamber of Commerce has invited Fauci to this webinar on Sept. 24 in order to get some answers and information to the Hispanic communities across Texas. In the state, the Hispanic population makes up 40% of confirmed cases, higher than any other race. But the Hispanic population also has a death rate of almost 55%, again making it the number one ethnicity on the chart.
A big part of the frontline workforce and essential employees are Hispanic, and many do not have the advantage of health benefits and insurance, said J.R. Gonzales, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. This is a major reason that the Hispanic community is getting disproportionally hurt by the virus.
Not only is the Hispanic workforce facing the health issue, but is also reeling from loss of jobs. Consequently, the economy has taken a hit with their absence because some businesses are unable to sustain a necessary workforce, Gonzales said.
People hastened to sign up for a spot on the webinar. Pauline E. Anton, president and CEO of TAMACC, said there will be elected officials, state agencies, community leaders and business owners on the call. Within minutes of unveiling Fauci’s appearance, Anton said she had more than 100 registration requests. People sitting on the edge of their seat to get a spot on the call can only mean one thing.
“They are hungry for the information,” Anton said. “They want to know facts and how to protect their families and community.”
After listening to Fauci talking about minorities being affected the most by COVID-19, Anton said she wanted to reach out to him to gain insight for Hispanic communities all over Texas. Anton wondered who better to talk about the coronavirus than a renowned doctor, especially considering that this is a health issue and not a political one.
COVID-19 is affecting different parts of Texas at different rates and in multiple ways, so TAMACC would like to gather questions throughout the regions for better representation. The most important question will be how to better educate Hispanics on the virus and learning how to protect themselves, Anton said.
“A lot of the information out there is so confusing that a person doesn’t know which way to go or what they’re supposed to do,” Anton described the confusion of COVID-19’s information overload. “So, we are going to bring best information possible.”
Fauci will not be the only speaker; after he is finished, there will be a round table discussion lead by elected officials and community leaders, on how to educate the community.
There are still many things to consider about the webinar, which may become more clear over time. For example, some of the questions to be asked are still undetermined; come fall, there may be many changes in infection rates and more research may come about. The number of attendees allowed is still in the works since this webinar is getting a lot of attention.
Anton also wants to remind attendees excitedly waiting for the teleconference that there will always be a chance that the event gets rescheduled and, if that is the case, it is understandable.
