Ensuring an Equitable Pandemic Response and Recovery

2021-01-26Executive Order 13995
Signed by: Joseph R. Biden Jr.
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Headline: Creates COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force to Aid Underserved Communities

What it does: Agencies must consult the Task Force and modify pandemic plans to ensure equitable allocation of tests, vaccines, treatments, and other resources.

Real World Impact:
  • Establishes a federal Task Force to recommend actions to address COVID-19 inequities.
  • Requires agencies to review and change plans to allocate tests, treatments, and vaccines equitably.
  • Directs improved collection and reporting of race, ethnicity, and other disaggregated COVID-19 data.
Topics: health equity, pandemic response, data collection, vaccination outreach

Summary

This order creates a COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and directs a government-wide effort to address unequal pandemic impacts. The Task Force will make recommendations on resource allocation, data collection, communication, and support for affected communities.

It affects federal agencies that run the pandemic response and communities of color, sexual and gender minorities, people with disabilities, rural and Tribal populations, and others who face higher illness and death rates.

The goal is to reduce disparities and ensure tests, treatments, vaccines, and support reach those hardest hit.

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