Addressing the Minnesota Paradox

“The Minnesota Paradox,” or the idea that Minnesota ranks highest in the country for schools, culture, housing and quality of life while simultaneously being one of the worst places for Black Americans to live, resonates throughout our healthcare system. Testing and vaccination resources in Black and Brown communities in the metro has been dismal, and historically sensible anxiety surrounding vaccinations and COVID-19 treatment in general have been high. Sederstrom, in the two short months since her appointment, has already launched a pilot COVID-19 vaccination clinic at a north Minneapolis church and hopes to do more to reach communities that have been hit hard by the pandemic.

Furthermore, several bills introduced this session in the Minnesota Legislature have sought to combat health disparities:

• SF 1054, introduced in mid-February, appropriates 6 million dollars to the commissioner of health for contracts with media vendors, community-based organizations and tribal governments. It is designed to provide culturally relevant, linguistically appropriate messages, factual information and community engagement services regarding COVID-19 to diverse communities and populations in the state, including American Indians, queer folks, recent immigrants and communities of color.
• HF 2113, which has 35 sponsors, was introduced on March 10 and seeks to close gaps in vaccinations among white and BIPOC Minnesotans. This legislation would provide the structure necessary to assure equal access to vaccines for African Americans, American Indians and other populations of color, and those at the highest risk for COVID-19.
• Another promising bill that aims to help Black mothers in the state is championed by Representative Richardson. HF 660, or the Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act, legislation that addresses appalling disparities in maternal and child health outcomes and implements anti-racism training bias. The bill has now passed two committee hearings.