BCBSM Director Appointed to Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities
Julie Bitely
| 2 min read
Bridget Hurd, senior director, Diversity and Inclusion at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, has been appointed to serve on a state task force investigating racial disparities related to COVID-19 outcomes in Michigan. Appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the task force will make recommendations that address transparent reporting data, reducing medical bias in testing and treatment and reducing barriers to physical and mental health care, among other items. “It is an honor to be appointed as a member of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities,” Hurd said. “It is a great opportunity to focus on the short- and long-term needs of underserved populations and address the health and health care disparities that have been around for a very long time. At Blue Cross, through our Health Disparities Action Team, we are also committed to addressing health and health care disparities and I am excited about the work that will reach our Michigan communities.” The task force was formed as a response to the way the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color. African Americans represent 13.6% of Michigan’s population, yet represent 40% of deaths from COVID-19. The group will be chaired by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. Read more about the task force’s creation, including a full list of appointees, here. Related:
- Coronavirus Outbreak: What You Need to Know
- COVID-19: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
- BCBSM Employees with Medical Backgrounds Volunteer to Work on Pandemic Frontlines
Photo credit: Daisy-Daisy
