Systemic racism has a big impact on the health of black Americans. They are more likely to have health conditions like diabetes or hypertension- and more likely to die from them. Racism in medicine takes many forms, and one is a foundation of mistrust and misunderstanding.

Systemic racism has a huge impact on the health of African-Americans in the U.S. It's literally a problem from cradle to grave, affecting everything from infant mortality to life expectancy. And now, COVID-19 is taking a disproportionate toll on the community.

The Indianapolis City-County Council met Monday and business included a COVID-19 update, new proposals for using federal funding and a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis.

The recommendations come amid protests across the state about racial justice and police brutality.

Demonstrations are flaring up across the country to protest the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police. Theyre also calling attention to broader inequalities. One of those areas -- health disparities -- kills Black Americans in massive numbers.

Health care providers say they marching against systemic racism in health care, and health disparities -- calling it a public health crisis.

The protest, White Coats For Black Lives, was organized to address health disparities and racism in medicine.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett discussed his plan to address systemic racism with the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis and the Baptist Ministers Alliance.

The group presented the mayoral candidates with desired changes in education, public safety and economic policy.