ALL NEWS

Salt Lake City mayor declares racism a public health crisis

Jul 21, 2021, 7:23 AM | Updated: 5:00 pm

Stimulus money...

A view of the Salt Lake City-County Building from the Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City mayor Erin Mendenhall declares racism a public health crisis.  A press release announced the City Council adopted a joint resolution Tuesday which outlines the effect racism has on the mental and physical health of communities of color. 

Why mayor decided racism is a public health crisis

“This is an important declaration for us to make as a city. Not only are we publicly acknowledging the existence of a grave inequity that many in our community have known and experienced for so long, we are also committing ourselves to the creation of policies and ordinances that are anti-racist,” Mayor Mendenhall said.

The resolution commits that as the city continues its work going forward, it will continue to be critical about the policies and ordinances created. They said their goal is to ensure they do not add to the compounding of inequities and work to undo damage previous policies may have had in previous years.

The declaration was initially proposed by the city’s Human Rights Coalition and the Commission on Racial Equity in Policing

Impacts of racism

The statement goes on to explain that racism directly impacts access to numerous everyday resources, including education, housing, employment, and healthcare. The cascading effects are known to result in negative outcomes for physical and mental health.

 

This statement also addressed that over the course of the pandemic, the impacts of racism on public health and the heavier burden on the City’s communities of color have been well documented.

According to the press release,  Council Chair Amy Fowler agreed the issue needs to be addressed. “There is no doubt of the crisis. Our society is burdened with bigotry and all the hatred that comes with it.”  

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

green marijuana plants in black pots...

JENNIFER PELTZ and LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press

What marijuana reclassification means for the United States

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is moving toward reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

2 hours ago

A white sign reads Mt. Nebo Middle School...

LAUREN STEINBRECHER

Parents frustrated after Mt. Nebo Middle School evacuated after third threat in two weeks

Parents are frustrated after Mt. Nebo Middle School was evacuated for the third time in two weeks.

3 hours ago

FILE - Mark Rudd, a leader of the student protest at Columbia University in New York City, is inter...

DEEPTI HAJELA Associated Press

How Columbia University’s complex history with the student protest movement echoes into today

The pro-Palestinian protest and subsequent arrests at Columbia aren't new ground for students at the Ivy League school.

4 hours ago

Why are button's on the right side for men, and on the left for women? It's complicated....

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: The buttons on your shirt

How come buttons on the right for men, and the left for women?  It’s complicated.

5 hours ago

container gardening...

Mitchell von Puttkammer

Advantages and disadvantages of container gardening

Hosts of the KSL Greenhouse Show, talk about gardening in containers. Is portability and insolation worth the frequent watering and fertilization?

6 hours ago

Four zebras ran loose in North Bend, Washington, a little town about 40 miles outside of Seattle. ...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Zebras on the Loose!

Not the kind of thing that happens every day, but a small town in Washington is on Zebra Watch.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

Salt Lake City mayor declares racism a public health crisis