Madisonian’s who identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color are less likely to seek mental health help, despite increased reports of anxiety and depression due to a higher number of COVID-19 cases.
According to the Madison Public Health website, the percentage of COVID-19 cases among Black residents is three times higher than those who are white — and Hispanic cases are 2.3 times higher.
Black, Hispanic and Latino populations are 2.8 times more likely than their white counterparts to die from COVID-19 and American Indian or Alaska Native citizens are 2.6 times more likely to die, according to the CDC.
Behavioral Health Consultant at Access Community Health Centers in Madison Martha Saucedo said COVID-19 has exacerbated economic disparities, which causes stress.