Racism Is a Public Health Crisis

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared that racism is a threat to our public health.

Centuries of racism in the U.S. have caused unfair policies in housing, income, healthcare, education, public safety, transportation, and food access that prevent people of color from being healthy – Topeka/Shawnee County included. These centuries-old policies work negatively and together in ways that benefit the physical and mental health of white people over the physical and mental health of people of color.

What You Can Do ↘

Confronting racism and racial inequities across this range of policies requires a broad and coordinated public health response. We ask you to join us in taking action. Key stakeholders and organizations, in partnership with YWCA Northeast Kansas, will be exploring local proclamations to declare racism as a public health crisis. This proclamation is a call to action. We encourage all people and organizations to begin taking the steps to dismantle systemic practices and policies that perpetuate racism.

It will take all of us together to eliminate the barriers that have led to poor health outcomes for communities of color.

  • Sign the Declaration

    Individuals and organizations can sign this declaration, urging policy makers to declare racism a public health crisis - and do the work to dismantle racism and close racial health disparities.

    Add Your Name

  • Self Reflect and Learn More

    From infant mortality to the housing crisis, learn why racism is a public health crisis, and what steps local policy makers can take to make a difference.

    Read the Full declaration

  • Become a Champion

    Join the YWCA movement by adding your voice to our efforts to dismantle racism and build a healthier, more equitable community.

    Learn More

More Resources:

Shawnee County Racial Equity Impact Analysis Work Group:

The Shawnee County Racial Equity Impact Analysis (REIA) Work Group operates under the YWCA Northeast Kansas Advocacy Committee. It is a collaboration of organizations and community partners that are using a racial justice lens to guide their work to improve public health and create equitable, sustainable solutions. Members include:

  • YWCA Northeast Kansas

  • Shawnee County Health Department

  • Valeo Behavioral Health

  • Kansas Department of Health & Environment

  • Kansas Department of Children & Families

  • GO Topeka (Chamber of Commerce)

  • Topeka Center for Peace & Justice

  • Topeka Public Schools USD-501

  • Hospitality Incubator Program