Bita Kash, PhD, Director of the Center for Outcomes Research at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, is available to discuss why African Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in many areas across the United States.

"Rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension are highest among African American communities compared to other demographics. If you combine these risk factors with other determinants of health including social circumstances, work, and environment, it puts African Americans at a further disadvantage," said Kash. 

According to Kash, Africans Americans are also more likely to be essential workers, be underinsured or lack health insurance, and not be able to work from home.