Floyd’s death, as well as the many that have occured before and after, have continued to highlight the dangerous and violent racism that persists in the USA today.  For years, the Black Lives Matter movement has demanded the government to address the structural racism that is ingrained in the USA. One area that is critical to address is the healthcare system, the result of which has led to staggering disparities in health between Black and White Americans. 

The racism that Black American communities experience with healthcare is extensive and occurs on all levels from its accessibility to the quality of care and even its direct implications on health. The evidence is clear, however action to address these issues is lacking. In Chicago, there exists a 30 year gap in the life expectancies between black and white citizens living there depending on their ZIP code. In a neighborhood that is predominantly white, life expectancy is around 90 years old, while in another neighborhood that is predominantly black, the average life expectancy is as low as 60 years old. It is vital that the USA address the structural racism that exists in its healthcare system so that Black American communities can begin to rebuild their health and wellbeing.