New Hanover County approves resolution declaring racism a public health crisis

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved a resolution that declared racism a public health crisis in the area.

The resolution, which passed on 3-2 vote, is similar in wording to one recently approved in Mecklenburg County.

#NHCgov Commissioners adopted a resolution put forth by Chair Olson-Boseman declaring racism a Public Health Crisis, calling out damaging generational inequities and chronic impacts of discrimination and systemic racism on health outcomes of individuals & communities of color. pic.twitter.com/ZmxcZ157hQ
— New Hanover County (@NewHanoverCo) July 13, 2020

The proposed resolution concludes with the following paragraph:

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners believes that Racism has formed the basis for a public health crisis affecting our entire County and should be treated with urgency. This resolution calls upon legislators, health officials, and others in our community to research and analyze data, and make meaningful changes to dismantle systemic Racism. New Hanover County will seek to promote Racial equity through policies approved by the Board of Commissioners and will encourage other local, state and national entities to recognize Racism as a public health crisis and take action.

The Chair of the Board of Commissioners, Julia Olson-Boseman, asked for the resolution to be considered by the board at large.

Proposed resolution to declare racism a public health crisis in New Hanover County

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