COVID Disparities and Long COVID Report

The COVID-19 pandemic unquestionably affected everyone in some way, but the nature and extent of its health and economic impacts were far from equally felt. Even early in the pandemic, it became apparent minority populations were experiencing disparate outcomes that many immediately associated with persistent inequities rooted in social and economic injustice. Disparate outcomes among minority populations were later documented in peer-reviewed literature. As we discuss in this report, it is critical to assess Arkansas-specific data to avoid prolonged disparate health and economic effects from the pandemic. Even more important is the opportunity to use knowledge of these disparities to guide future efforts to address their root causes, which continue to impact communities across our state.