Multilayer Solutions to Inequities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

At first glance, the Michigan Executive Directive No. 2020–7 is impressive and forward thinking. I initially lauded the executive directive that mandatory implicit bias training be required of all licensed health professionals. As stated in the order, “The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated, with brutal proof, the persistence of racial disparities in our society… because of the prevalence of what is sometimes called implicit bias: thoughts and feelings that, by definition, often exist outside of conscious awareness, and therefore are difficult to control” (1). However, upon reading the directive in full, I noticed a theme that was important but too narrowly focused on me and my fellow health care professionals. It is not solely our bias in taking care of patients with COVID-19 that created the racial disparities or a surge in COVID-19–related deaths; interpersonal bias and structural implicit bias, in addition to discrimination, laid the foundation for the devastating statistics seen throughout Michigan and the United States © 2023, Preventing Chronic Disease.All Rights Reserved.