Nevada is the latest state to declare racism a public health crisis. 

In a state where minorities make up more than half the population, Gov. Steve Sisolak on Wednesday signed a proclamation aimed at raising awareness “so Nevada does not perpetuate poor health outcomes due to systemic racism during and after the pandemic,” according to a Governor’s Office press release. 

Nevada is one of a handful of states, including Colorado, Ohio and Wisconsin and more than 20 cities and counties nationwide, to have declared racism a public health crisis. 

“Institutional and systemic racism has gone on far too long in this country and in this state. Based on research, we are taking a proactive approach in joining fellow leaders around the country to declare racism as a public health crisis,” Sisolak said. 

The governor added that he looks forward to working with Nevada leaders and the Office of Minority Health and Equity on the issue.

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Among the governor’s concerns are inequitable access to mental health services and a lack of educational and career opportunities for minorities. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the challenges caused by racial disparities within Nevada’s communities, especially in the form of virus and environmental exposure risks, and through all major stages of health care,” the press release said. 

Nevada joins other state and local governments that have passed or are considering similar declarations in the interest of instigating long-term change across all sectors of government, including education, housing, and criminal justice. 

The State’s Office of Minority Health and Equity is largely tasked with overseeing statewide response to such challenges. The office was initially created by the Nevada Legislature in 2005 and expanded in 2017.

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Jenny Kane covers arts and culture in Northern Nevada, as well as the dynamic relationship between the state and the growing Burning Man community. She also covers the state’s burgeoning cannabis industry (Check out her podcast, the Potcast, on iTunes.) Support her work in Reno by subscribing to RGJ.com right here. 

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