CDC Foundation Creates A New Role: Chief Health Equity And Strategy Officer

On Wednesday, the nation saw its single-worst daily death toll since the start of the pandemic. Hospitalization rates are also at record highs.

Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

The United States is facing another surge of coronavirus cases.

On Wednesday, the nation saw its single-worst daily death toll since the start of the pandemic. Hospitalization rates are also at record highs.

Since the start of the pandemic, one factor has, unfortunately, remained constant: Black, Latino and Native American individuals face higher rates of COVID-19.

In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the virus’ case and hospitalization rates are more than two times higher among these groups.

Here in Atlanta, the CDC Foundation has created a new role to address this.

Dr. Lauren Smith is the foundation’s first chief health equity and strategy officer.

Smith and Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, joined “Closer Look” host Rose Scott on Friday’s edition of the program for a conversation about their goals for this new position.

Guests:

  • Dr. Lauren Smith, the CDC Foundation’s first chief health equity and strategy officer.
  • Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation

To hear the full conversation, click on the audio player above.