Columbus City Council last night approved a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in the city.
The resolution of expression carries no legal weight and does not require formal action by the city. More than 12 hundred Columbus businesses, non-profits, institutions and residents have signed a letter supporting the resolution calling for the city to address minority health inequities, including a systematic, data-driven focus on poverty, economic mobility and other factors that impact health. Last month Franklin County Commissioners declared racism a public health crisis in the county, and Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes says a similar resolution will be introduced at the Statehouse this week.
