The governor has announced an update to last month’s press conference, which forecast her administration’s moves to combat systemic racism within the health field.

The argument made in that press conference detailed disparities between healthcare outcomes and illness across racial lines. The prescription given at the time was to require training in racial sensitivity as part of continuing education mandates. The move drew criticism from some in the healthcare field, who saw the comments as an attack on their integrity and overlooked other explanations for incongruities between racial groups.

“We must confront systemic racism head on so we can create a more equitable and just Michigan.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

A month later, the Whitmer administration once again took the podium and the state’s attention, amid the coronavirus pandemic, to announce a further development in their push. The governor officially named “racism” to be a public health emergency.

“We must confront systemic racism head on so we can create a more equitable and just Michigan,” Whitmer explained. Her order also establishes a Black Leadership Advisory Council, which will be filled by 16 applicants from around Michigan. Applications are due August 19.