“Corruption is embedded in health systems. Throughout my life—as a researcher, public health worker, and a Minister of Health—I have been able to see entrenched dishonesty and fraud. But despite being one of the most important barriers to implementing universal health coverage around the world, corruption is rarely openly discussed.” – Dr. Patricia Garcia, in her powerful Lancet journal article of November, 2019: “Corruption in Global Health: An Open Secret”

Many more questions are being raised than there are answers being discovered concerning the recent strains of coronavirus. Where and how did it originate? Was it the result of human engineering and manipulation or is it a strain that mutated naturally?  What are the best tests to determine exposure and infection? Why are so many infected individuals asymptomatic? Are all elderly people equally susceptible to infection and how much do co-morbidities determine outcomes? These are just several of the important questions that still require definitive answers.

The ideological and cultural split between rural and urban Ohio – and the entire United States for that matter – has seemingly never been greater in our lifetime.

You can thank Trump for stoking rural America’s anger – arguably this disturbing resentment was set ablaze back in 2008 when the first African American became President.

Sneering at Columbus, a left-leaning sanctuary city, is one thing.

But letting any undocumented immigrant imprisoned in a rural Ohio prison to be treated as if their life didn’t matter and left to die from the coronavirus is akin to murder.

There are four U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracted detention facilities in Ohio. And when ICE makes an arrest in Columbus, their detainee is likely to be transferred to its contracted jail in Mount Gilead, the Morrow County Correctional Facility, which is roughly an hour north of Columbus.

There are an estimated 80 inmates in total detained there as of early May, and about 60 are believed to be ICE detainees. On May 6th, the Morrow County Health District stated 50 of the 80 inmates have become infected with the coronavirus.

The Presumptive Nominee seems to be in trouble. Reuters just released a national poll showing that “Joe Biden’s advantage over President Donald Trump in popular support has eroded in recent weeks” -- and the contest is “essentially a toss-up.” In a half-dozen key swing states, Biden is only up by an average of 4 percent. Even among the Democratic faithful, enthusiasm for Biden is low.

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio denounced Gov. Mike DeWine’s cuts to Medicaid as Ohio continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Gov. DeWine announced that more than $200 million in state budget cuts will come from Medicaid funding for the remainder of the 2020 fiscal year, while leaving the $2.7 billion rainy day fund untouched.

Statement from Iris E. Harvey, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio:

“Slashing Medicaid funding at any point in time is irresponsible and dangerous. Doing so now, while many Ohioans are reeling from the effects of COVID-19 and in need of preventive health care, is heartless. This move will disproportionately impact communities that are already medically underserved, who already stand at a greater risk of harm from COVID-19, and who depend on Medicaid to access health care. We call on Gov. DeWine and the legislature to reconsider this path.”

Wednesday, May 6, 2020, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
With the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing an alarming increase in biased incidents and hate crimes against people of Asian descent in the United States and across the world. In response, allies to Asian Americans are called on to speak out against bigotry and racism to challenge learned prejudices. In this interactive workshop, come learn and practice ways to use your voice – don’t just be a passive bystander! Interrupting oppressive statements is one important way of intervening against racism to make sure our communities work for everyone.  Zoom Register here.