Health Archives - Page 13 of 36

Information Picket Held as Negotiations Between Essentia, Healthcare Workers Continues

USW Local 9460 workers say a new contract was supposed to be negotiated last July but they haven't gotten Essentia to the table until now.

June 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Healthcare workers and community members took up signs to picket up by Miller Hill Mall today as negotiations continue over Essentia Health’s contract with their employees. USW Local 9460 workers say a new contract was supposed to be negotiated last July but they haven’t gotten Essentia to the table until now. They are also pushing for higher wages,…

Summer Meals Program Through YMCA Begin

June 21, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — A food service program, through the Duluth YMCA, offering free nutritious snacks and meals to kids 18 and under, is now underway in the Northland. The idea is to continue providing healthy options to kids when they are not in school for the summer. After serving over 100,000 meals last year, Food Access Director Jacob Sass, is…

Grandma’s Marathon Sideline Traditions Continue

Grandma's Marathon allows traditions to begin, and with its return to the North Shore this year, those traditions are able to continue.

June 19, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Today was the day everyone was anticipating for over a year, and it wasn’t only the athletes who had to prepare, but a few local members too who have been doing this for years. Hundreds of fans and volunteers lined London Road to cheer on runners. Lindsay Ekstrom, a Duluth native, has been attending these races since she…

Essentia Health Discusses Prevention, Symptoms During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

June 17, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Alzheimer’s Association, worldwide, 50 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. June serves as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Sara McCumber is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the Essentia Neurology Department. McCumber says there are ways to help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. One of the ways is to exercise. She says individuals…

Pop-Up Vaccine Clinic Held at Mount Royal Library

June 16, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– St. Louis County Public Health had a pop-up vaccine clinic at the Mount Royal Library location Wednesday. It was open to the public, but encouraged employees from nearby businesses to come in if they wanted either the Pfizer shot or the Johnson and Johnson one. The health department wants to have these pop-ups at convenient spots to get…

Lake Superior Zoo is Aiding Animals Through Thermal Imaging

June 9, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo has been granted a special piece of equipment that allows them to make diagnoses on their animals from a distance. Through a thermal imaging camera Lake Superior Zoo is utilizing a new piece of equipment that is helping them find different injuries in their animals. Teletherm Infared, based out of Florida, granted Amy Gallagher,…

Duluth Offers Advice on How to be Ready for Heat Wave with Pets and Children

By knowing the heat index, experts suggest being aware of your limitations, and by not pushing them when there is heat like this.

June 4, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.–With temperatures in the high 80’s, and in some areas the 90’s this weekend, experts are trying to remind the community to not take any unnecessary risks when it comes to your children and pets in this weather. If you’re planning on taking your dog out to play or for a run, Animal Allies suggests doing it earlier or…

Essentia Health Tells How to Recognize Signs of a Heat Stroke

June 4, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– As the Duluth Fire Department teaches us how to beat the heat, Essentia Health is also educating the public on signs to look for that indicate having a heat stroke. Some of the most common signs include physically looking unwell, fatigue and perspiration. But these symptoms can lead to confusion, disorientation, and sometimes even passing out. Essentia Health…

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Remain Steady at Essentia Health

Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, Talks Hospitalizations, Vaccinations, and Summer Safety

June 3, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 46 percent of the eligible population in Minnesota is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In Wisconsin, over 44 percent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated. While the numbers continue to climb, health officials say there is still plenty of work to be done. Dr. Jon Pryor is the President of Essentia Health in Duluth. Pryor says…

Sen. Tina Smith Introduces Mental Health Legislation As Demand For Therapists Skyrockets

May 30, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

WASHINGTON, D.C./DULUTH, Minn. — U.S. Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat representing Minnesota, wants to expand and support mental health resources with several proposals in Congress as clinics are seeing their patient lists fill up like never before. For Mental Health Awareness Month, Senator Smith posted several tweets on her Twitter page about her own journey with depression. “Having that opportunity…

St. Louis County Continues Vaccine Clinic, Information at Duluth Transportation Center

Public health officials say they've vaccinated about 80 people over their three visits there.

May 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County is continuing to find success with its vaccine clinic at the Duluth Transportation Center downtown. Public health officials say they’ve vaccinated about 80 people over their three visits there. They add people coming in have been a variety of different ages and living situations. It’s been a mix of people who may have trouble scheduling…

European Sailors Receive COVID-19 Vaccinations at St. Lukes

May 24, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s opened its doors to European sailors from the ship MV Isolda, to receive the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. A Bulgarian sailor who has been in the business for 27 years, received his shot today and spoke of its importance. He said as the crew sails internationally, getting the vaccine was a priority as they’ve…

DHS Official: Herd Immunity May Come This Fall in Wisconsin

May 23, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A key state health department leader is hedging on whether Wisconsin can attain COVID-19 herd immunity by mid-2021. Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk has previously said that 70% of Wisconsin’s population would need to be vaccinated to attain herd immunity and the state could reach that benchmark by July. But vaccination…

Fishing Tournament Fighting For ALS Patients: “We don’t believe that enough progress has been made”

May 20, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — If you want to go fishing while supporting a great cause, you can head out to Island Lake on the first weekend of June. Kolar Toyota is hosting its 26th annual ALS Fishing Tournament on June 5th. For the past 25 years, this tournament alone has raised more than $3.5 million to fight for those diagnosed by…

Fishing Tournament Fighting For Those With ALS: “We don’t believe that enough progress has been made”

May 20, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — If you want to go fishing while supporting a great cause, you can head out to Island Lake on the first weekend of June. Kolar Toyota is hosting its 26th annual ALS Fishing Tournament on June 5th. For the past 25 years, this tournament alone has raised more than $3.5 million to fight for those diagnosed by…

St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Specialist Encouraging Teen COVID-19 Vaccinations

According to St. Luke's, Demand for Teen COVID-19 Vaccinations Has Been High Since Approval was Given

May 20, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Although fewer children and teens have been infected with COVID-19, they can still become infected and also spread the virus to others. Local infectious disease experts with St. Luke’s are encouraging parents to bring their teens aged 12-15 in for the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Sherry Johnson, Infectious Disease Specialist at St Luke’s, says parents are coming in…

City of Superior Drops Mask Mandate

May 18, 2021

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior City Council voted Tuesday night to immediately lift the city’s mask mandate. Councilor Craig Sutherland said it was a unanimous decision by councilors. This comes as the state of Wisconsin hasn’t had a mask mandate for more than a month, and after the CDC announced last week that fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks…

Wessman Vaccine Site Opens to 12 and Up

May 14, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis.–With the Pfizer vaccine now being available to children ages 12 and up, more locations are opening its doors to give the vaccine to children. The Wessman Vaccine Site in Superior has been giving vaccines since April 13th, but staff at the site say they are seeing even more people come in due to the recent age change on…

COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available for Children 12-15 Years Old

May 13, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– With the recent approval from the CDC allowing children as young as 12 to be vaccinated, Northland healthcare providers are getting even busier as more people come in to get the shots. Children have always dreaded shots and vaccinations, until now. It was finally announced that the COVID-19 vaccine is available for kids ages 12-15, which means, they…

All-Star Nutrition Opens near Miller Hill Mall

A new nutrition store in Duluth is offering not only supplements, but also diet planning and personal training programs.

May 13, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A new nutrition store in Duluth is offering not only supplements, but also diet planning and personal training programs. All-Star Nutrition opened right across the street from the Miller Hill Mall last week. The owner says he’s seeing a boom in people focusing on improving their health after being stuck at home. And he says his store is…

St. Louis County Public Health Prepares to Vaccinate Teens Aged 12-15

Vaccinations Would Begin Once the ACIP Votes to Move Forward with Pfizer Vaccinations for Teens Aged 12-15

May 11, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The FDA now says the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on the testing of 2,000 volunteers. Shots could begin soon once a federal vaccine panel issues recommendations for using the vaccine in that age bracket. St. Louis County Public Health is already planning. Officials with the county say they’re…

New Therapy Center for Children with Autism Opens in Hermantown

The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building.

May 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The ribbon was cut Monday for a new therapy center in Hermantown for children on the autism spectrum. Caravel Autism Health celebrated its grand opening. The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building. According to specialists, Caravel staff will also work with families to continue…

Non-Profit Maternity Home Seeking Donations to Relocate

May 10, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– A Duluth non-profit has been helping pregnant mothers in need for almost two years, but the Star of the North Maternity Home needs to find a new location. The current Star of the North Maternity House has been sold, and relocation to a new place has to happen by the end of the month. $60,000 is needed for…

Clinical Dietitian Reports Rise in Patients Dealing with Weight Gain, Eating Disorders

The COVID-19 Pandemic is Impacting Individuals on Different Levels Including Weight Gain & Eating Disorders

May 10, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve packed on a few pounds over the past year, you’re not alone. In a poll of more than 1,000 WebMD readers, nearly half of the women and almost one-quarter of the men said they’d gained weight “due to COVID restrictions.” St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian, Mary Cherne, says she’s seeing an influx of patients coming in…

St. Louis County, DTA Open Vaccine Clinic at Downtown Transit Center

Health officials hoped to bring the shots to more people, and answer questions to help stop any vaccine hesitancy.

May 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday and Wednesday Duluthians could not only catch a bus at the Duluth Downtown Transit Center — but also get a COVID vaccine there if they wanted. St. Louis County partnered up with the Duluth Transit Authority to open up a clinic at the DTC, the latest in their vaccine outreach efforts. Health officials say they have…

Ursa Minor Unveiling Brew to Raise Funds for Brain Cancer Research

This weekend Ursa Minor will debut their "Smash for Stache" brew. $2 of every crowler will be donated to Stache Strong.

May 3, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Local breweries across Minnesota are teaming up with a nonprofit to raise money and awareness for brain cancer research. Ursa Minor in Duluth’s Lincoln Park is partnering with nonprofit “Stache Strong.” they focus on supporting brain cancer researchers, survivors, and those suffering from disease. This weekend Ursa Minor will debut their “Smash for Stache” brew. $2 of every…

Twin Ports Dermatology Offers Free Skin Checks for “Melanoma Monday”

May 3, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– The first Monday in May is nationally recognized as “Melanoma Monday” to remind Americans of the risks of skin cancer as we head into summer. Twin Ports Dermatology in Duluth offered free skin checks on Monday for new patients to raise awareness. Dermatologists are teaching patients about the ABCDE’s, which is an acronym representing possible signs of of…

COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Trend Up in Itasca County as Vaccine Rollout Continues

Itasca County Public Health Division Urges All Residents to Research and Receive Their COVID-19 Vaccination

April 29, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Itasca County Public Health and area residents are reflecting on the gratitude of science after surpassing the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Public Health Department reports new cases of COVID-19 to continue to rise in Itasca County, especially among residents aged 30 – 50, and school-aged children. As of Thursday, April 29, in the…

Church Holds Drive-Up Food Pantry In Superior

Anybody was welcome to pick up a box of fresh produce grains and baked good.

April 27, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Faith United Methodist Church in Superior continued its 20 plus year food pantry tradition Tuesday – although a little different because of the pandemic. People could drive up, tell a volunteer how many people were in their family, and boxes of food would be loaded into their car. “We serve those who feel like they were in need…

St. Luke’s Seeing Rise in Middle Aged Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19

Hospitilizations Declined in February and March, but Dr. Andrew Thompson Says the Rate is Beginning to Rise Again

April 27, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – A recent report released by the CDC shows nearly eight percent, or five million Americans have not received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Andrew Thompson, has mixed reaction to the new data. Thompson says while the number is somewhat cause for concern, 92 percent of adults who have received…

UMN Medical Student Researchers Find Long Term Effects Of Tear Gas

They recommend more regulation of tear gas usage -- and if possible, other options entirely.

April 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Some University of Minnesota Medical School students have complied research that suggests tear gas can have long-lasting health impacts. The short-term reactions to tear gas such as breathing problems and skin and eye irritation are well-known already. So, the PHD Graduate Neuroscience students analyzed other studies on the longer-term health consequences, and summarized those findings. They found one…

Essentia Vision Northland Project 35 Percent Complete, On Track for 2023 Opening

The $900 Million Project Remains On Budget as Crews Work to Enclose the New Inpatient, Outpatient Facilities

April 26, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – A multi-million dollar development is changing the skyline of Duluth’s downtown district. Ground broke on Essentia’s Vision Northland Project in 2019, and if you’ve recently driven by, you’ve noticed a large amount of progress has been made on the exterior of the new structure. What started as a vision in 2017 is now becoming an impressive reality….

Minnesota Health Officials Report 1,805 New COVID Cases

April 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The number of COVID-19 infections in Minnesota continues to rise. State health officials reported 1,805 newly confirmed cases on Saturday. Eight more people died. The state has now seen 529,353 confirmed cases since the pandemic began in March. The state’s death toll stood at 6,685 as of Saturday. Nearly 30,000 people have been hospitalized. As…

National Volunteer Week: St. Luke’s Happy To Welcome Back Volunteers

April 21, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Volunteer Week, and one healthcare clinic is happy it has its volunteers back in action. St. Luke’s Hospital had to say goodbye to its volunteers who work in the hospital for almost a year after the pandemic hit, but now they’re allowed to return. Volunteers are placed in areas they may want to work. They…

2 Twins-Angels Games Postponed by Minnesota’s COVID-19 Woes

Major League Baseball didn’t immediately announce when the games will be made up.

April 17, 2021

Arman Rahman,

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – The Twins’ games against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday and Sunday have been postponed due to Minnesota’s COVID-19 problems. Major League Baseball didn’t immediately announce when the games will be made up. Kyle Garlick, another unnamed Twins player and a team staff member tested positive in the two days before the postponements, manager Rocco Baldelli…

Youth Aged 16-18 Encouraged to Sign Up for COVID-19 Vaccination in Itasca County

A Vaccination Clinic Will Take Place Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Grand Rapids

April 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Even with the pause of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID vaccine, the rollout continues to be strong in Itasca County. Public health leaders say only 6.6 percent of the vaccines delivered to Minnesota have been from Johnson & Johnson. As of Thursday, April 15, 78 percent of the 65-plus population in Itasca County has been vaccinated while…

Essentia Family Medicine Physician Talks Vaccine Safety, Efficacy & Importance

Dr. James Conniff with Essentia Health Encourages Residents to get the COVID-19 Vaccination

April 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the pause of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine, many are left wondering what comes next regarding safety and efficacy. Dr. James Conniff is a family medicine physician with Essentia Health in Duluth. Conniff says the pause is reassuring as the FDA takes a closer look into the problem. The CDC says six women between…

Unhealthy Eating Behaviors, Eating Disorders in Young People Rise During Pandemic

Experts say a variety of stressors like an increase in depression, fear of weight gain and outside factors like job loss and food insecurity are to blame.

April 12, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Researchers with the University Of Minnesota Medical School says they have discovered a rise in unhealthy eating behaviors and eating disorders among young adults during the pandemic. Up to 53% of young people transitioning out of high school experienced one or more unhealthy eating or weight control behaviors. These ranged from binge eating or skipping meals to self-induced…

Community Vaccination Site to Open April 13 at UWS Wessman Arena

Registration is Now Open for the New Community-Based Clinic in Superior; Vaccinations Eligible for Residents 16+

April 8, 2021

Brett Scott,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – 64 percent of residents living in Douglas County have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. That’s why health officials in the county can’t wait for shots to start being administered into arms Tuesday, April 13th. The fifth community-based vaccination site will be located on the campus of UWS inside Wessman Arena. Appointments are now open, with the Pfizer…

Itasca County Residents Reflect on Gratitude One Year Since Pandemic Began

41 Percent of Itasca County's Population Has Started Vaccination Efforts

April 1, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – In Itasca County, the COVID-19 case rate per 10,000 people continues to increase steadily, however, there is light at the end of the tunnel. 41 percent of the county’s population has begun their vaccination efforts. Over 45,000 residents live in the county, and health officials report nearly 10,000 have completed both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine….

Douglas County Health Officer Breaks Down Vaccine Efforts As Eligibility Expands Next Week

Douglas County Health Officials look to add to the more than 19,000 people in the county who’ve already gotten one dose.

March 30, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Starting next Monday, Wisconsinites 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Now Douglas County Health Officials look to add to the more than 19,000 people in the county who’ve already gotten one dose. “With eligibility opening up to Wisconites next week, especially with the holiday weekend upon us, we need folks to be as diligent…

Third COVID-19 Variant Detected in Wisconsin

The variant known as the P.1 is believed to spread more rapidly and easily than the original strain of COVID-19.

March 27, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The first Wisconsin case of a potentially more severe COVID-19 variant known that originated in Brazil was confirmed Friday by the state Department of Health Services. The variant known as the P.1 is believed to spread more rapidly and easily than the original strain of COVID-19. Wisconsin health officials also said the variant has unique mutations…

Vaccines May Offer Good Protection Against Certain COVID Variants, Not Others

March 25, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The COVID-19 vaccines were all designed to protect people against the virus, but they may not be as effective against some of the variants spreading throughout the world right now. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the vaccines may offer less protection against certain variants such as B.1.351, the variant first discovered in South Africa,…

Itasca County Health Officials Urge Caution as More Residents Receive Vaccine

Health Officials Also Report a Decline in the Number of Domestic, Sexual Abuse Cases as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues

March 18, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The vaccine rollout continues to be strong in Itasca County. The county has a population of over 45,000 residents. So far, just over 20,000 have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of Thursday, Mar. 18, 12,382 residents have received at least one shot, while 7,752 residents are fully vaccinated. Health officials report…

Essentia OB-GYN Breaks Down Questions, Answers Surrounding COVID-19 & Vaccines

Dr. Michael Kassing with Essentia Health Discusses the Common Questions & Concerns He Receives from Expecting Mothers Amid the Pandmic

March 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Expecting a newborn is stressful for parents at any time, then toss in a global pandemic, and anxiety can soar through the roof. Dr. Michael Kassing is an OB-GYN with Essentia Health in Duluth. He says many of his patients are coming in with questions regarding whether or not they should receive the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant….

CVS Health, Goodrich Join Pharmacies Administering Vaccine

Three CVS in-store pharmacies at Target stores in Duluth, Rochester and Eden Prairie will receive 3,510 vaccine doses this week.

March 13, 2021

Arman Rahman,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – CVS Health and Goodrich Pharmacy have been added to the expanding network of pharmacies vaccinating Minnesotans across the state. Three CVS in-store pharmacies at Target stores in Duluth, Rochester and Eden Prairie will receive 3,510 vaccine doses this week. The announcement Saturday by Gov. Tim Walz means Minnesota now has five pharmacies with dozens of…

Colon Cancer Survivor Hopes Lighting Enger Tower Blue Encourages Early Screenings

Anna Dahlgren was screened earlier than the recommended age, catching the disease in her early 30s.

March 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Enger Tower in Duluth was lit up blue Tuesday in honor of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an initiative led by the city, and Colorectal Cancer survivor Anna Dahlgren. Dahlgren was screened earlier than the recommended age, catching the disease in her early 30s. Doctors say if she had waited until the typical screening age of 45 — it…

Gov. Walz: 1 Million Vaccinated in Minnesota, on Anniversary of State’s First COVID-19 Case

Additionally, he announced that nearly 55% of Minnesota’s educators, school staff, and child care providers have gotten a shot.

March 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The State of Minnesota reached a new milestone in vaccinations, as Governor Tim Walz announced one million Minnesotans have been vaccinated Saturday, the one-year anniversary of the first case of COVID-19 appearing in the state. Gov. Walz shared the news on his Facebook page Saturday. Today, exactly one year after Minnesota’s first confirmed case of COVID-19, we reached…

Johnson & Johnson’s 1-Dose Shot Cleared, Giving US 3rd COVID-19 Vaccine

One dose was 85% protective against the most severe COVID-19 illness, in a massive study that spanned three continents.

February 27, 2021

Arman Rahman,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. now has a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration on Saturday cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two. Health experts have anxiously awaited a one-and-done option to help speed vaccinations. The virus has already killed more than 510,000 people in the U.S. and…

Health Equity Groups Work to Vaccinate Northland’s Black, Indigenous, People of Color

According to the CDC, many racial and ethnic minority groups can face economic, social, and geographical barriers to healthcare, and therefore COVID Vaccines.

February 24, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As vaccine supplies and vaccination initiatives increase throughout the country and the Northland, efforts have started zeroing in on helping racial and ethnic communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. According to the CDC, many racial and ethnic minority groups can face economic, social, and geographical barriers to healthcare such as difficulties finding affordable and quality housing and health…