Virginia Is Set to Become First Southern State to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis

Virginia, a state long associated with racist and segregationist behavior, is now only a signature away from becoming the first state in the South to declare racism a public health crisis.

The Virginia State Senate on Tuesday, on a voice vote, approved the declaration and sent it on to the desk of Gov. Ralph Northam, who is expected to sign it.

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The resolution addresses five specific issues:

• Expand VDH’s Office of Health Equity to be the primary watchdog for ensuring policies addressing racism are implemented;
• Make the Commission to Examine Racial Ineuity in Virginia Law permanent;
• Establish training for all state elected officials, their staff members and state employees on recognizing racism;
• Create a list of definitions and terms on racism and health equity; and
• Promote community engagement across the state on recognizing racism.

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It continues a trend led by Democrats controlling both the governor’s office and the General Assembly to recast Virginia as a progressive leader, especially around racial issues.

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The American Public Health Association, which tracks declarations of racism as a public health issue, lists 145 cities and counties across 27 states – up from only seven in 2019.

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