Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Wednesday an order declaring racism a public health crisis and creating the Black Leadership Advisory Council to “elevate Black voices.”

The executive directive asks the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to have all state employees undergo implicit bias training for employees and “make health equity a major goal.”

People applying to the leadership council must do so by Aug. 19. 

“We must confront systemic racism head on so we can create a more equitable and just Michigan,” Whitmer said in a statement. “This is not about one party or person. I hope we can continue to work towards building a more inclusive and unbiased state that works for everyone.” 

Early in the virus’ path through Michigan, the virus has hurt the Black community more than other communities, and the trend has held true through the summer. 

African-American individuals have made up about 27% of the confirmed cases in Michigan and 39% of the deaths, despite making up 14% of the state’s population, according to state data. 

In April, Whitmer appointed the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities chaired by Gilchrist to study the issue of racial disparity. 

Whitmer was joined Wednesday by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. 

The governor’s remarks come a day after Whitmer instructed state departments, including the Michigan State Police, to enforce the mask use mandate.  

The three-page directive says the State Police “must enforce violations of COVID-19 executive orders” in the same manner “it would enforce any other violation of law, using enforcement discretion as appropriate.”

As of Tuesday, Michigan had 84,050 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 6,220 deaths. Hospitalizations linked to the virus have remained relatively low despite upward trends in cases since June. 

eleblanc@detroitnews.com

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