October 13th, 2024

‘We must save lives now!’: Congresswoman leading charge for more COVID-19 testing

By: N.L. Preston

 

HOUSTONCongresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has always been a hands-on leader for the people of Houston, but these days, she can be seen front and center at community events and press conferences, leading the charge in demanding more testing in the fight against COVID-19.

It’s a personal mission, as data released shows that Black Americans are dying from the virus at disproportionately high rates.

The current number of known cases in the United States is an estimated 1.7 million and deaths are nearing 100,000. A recent study, “The Color of Coronavirus: COVID-19 Deaths by Race and Ethnicity in the U.S.,” shows that more than 20,000 Black Americans are known to have lost their lives to COVID-19 through mid-May.

The latest overall COVID-19 mortality rate for Black Americans is 2.4 times as high as the rate for Whites and 2.2 times as high as the rate for Asians and Latinos.

A better breakdown analysis shows:

  • 1 in 2,000 Black Americans has died (or 50.3 per 100,000)
  • 1 in 4,300 Asian and Latino Americans has died (or 22.7 and 22.9, respectively, per 100,000)
  • 1 in 4,700 White Americans has died (or 20.7 per 100,000)

In the State of Texas, we have nearly 55,000 cases overall and 1,500 deaths reported, and Harris County has more than 10,000 known cases and more than 200 deaths.

With these statistics in mind, Jackson Lee is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to getting the people in her district the resources they need.

“Test kits and diagnostic testing in one of the largest and most diverse nations in the world is vital toward measuring and preventing community spread. We must save lives now! As we begin to study the next steps, employers and local governments must consider and require everyone to get tested,” Jackson Lee said.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently spoke on the topic of COVID-19 and African Americans at a White House press briefing.

“Health disparities have always existed for the African American community,” Fauci said. “Here again with the crisis, how it’s shining a bright light on how unacceptable that is because, yet again, when you have a situation like the coronavirus, they are suffering disproportionately.”

Fauci noted the health issues that are hampering African Americans.

“The diabetes, hypertension, the obesity, the asthma — those are the kinds of things that wind them up in the ICU and ultimately give them a higher death rate,” he said.

Another issue tied to health issues is lack of health coverage. Data shows 11% of Blacks are uninsured, against the national rate of 7% in 2017. Some Blacks don’t know they have these underlying issues because, with less access to health insurance, some conditions remain undiagnosed until it’s too late.

Due to the lack of resources, Jackson Lee is making sure testing is free, and available for everyone. There are more than two dozen testing sites across the area, thanks, in part, to funds from donors.

“I was driven to bring testing to Houston because COVID-19 was more contagious than any other virus we had seen in our lifetime. On March 19, we opened one of the first testing sites in the nation that required no charge and no pre-registration, in a public/private partnership with UMMC United Memorial Medical Center,” Jackson Lee said. “I was proud to bring Hyundai Motor America to the 18th Congressional District to donate $100,000 from Hyundai Hope on Wheels for COVID-19 drive-thru testing and 10,000 test kits for the City of Houston. I think it helped in finding hot spots and people who were infected.”

She is also calling for a national testing protocol to test all essential workers, and residents and staff at nursing homes. There have been over 10,000 deaths in nursing homes alone all over America. This surge in deaths accounts for about 20% of all coronavirus fatalities in the nation.

They’ve also begun testing at the Harris County Jail.

“The evidence of positive cases shows that jails are crucial sites to test and the program for compassionate release was the right direction to be taken for non-violent inmates,” Jackson Lee said.

Over the Mother’s Day weekend, Jackson Lee helped lead the #IDIDMYPART campaign, on behalf of Tina Knowles and Beyonce’s BEYGOOD Foundation, encouraging Houston residents, especially African American communities, to get COVID-19 testing.

In addition to testing, Jackson Lee has been at food drives, large and small, helping citizens in need. After personally loading up the goods in cars, the congresswoman can be seen giving a slap on the trunk signaling the driver to move forward so she can hand out meals to others.

Food drives have been held at various churches, schools, food banks, etc., in addition to a few massive food drives at NRG Stadium, which has been serving thousands of people on each day of distribution.

But Jackson Lee still drives the point home, in order to get back to our normal routines, we must work together to flatten the curve.

“It is crucial that we continue to test in Harris County and the city of Houston to stop community spread,” she said. “We must put LIVES ABOVE ECONOMY! WE MUST TEST, TEST, TEST!”

 

 

 

Latest Articles

NEED PAST ISSUES?

Search our archive of past issues Receive our Latest Updates
 
* indicates required

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

Scroll to Top
Search