HJAR Jan/Feb 2021

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  JAN / FEB 2021 53 LaShannon Spencer Chief Executive Officer Community Health Centers of Arkansas 1970s, according to the CDC. Yet, these memories continue to impact AfricanAmericans. Then you have the Hen- rietta Lacks story. Seventy years ago, a young mother of five named Henrietta Lacks visited The Johns Hopkins Hospital complaining of vaginal bleeding, according to the hospital. Upon examination, renowned gynecologist How- ard Jones, MD, discovered a large, malig- nant tumor on her cervix. At the time, The Johns Hopkins Hospital was one of only a few hospitals to treat poor African Ameri- cans. A sample of her cancer cells retrieved during a biopsy were sent to George Gey’s, MD, nearby tissue lab. What he would soon discover was something unseen by medicine to date: Lacks’cells, nicknamed “HeLa”were unlike any others he had ever seen. Where other cells would die, Lacks’ cells doubled every 20 to 24 hours. But neither she nor her family had any knowledge that her cells would continue to be utilized for research. None of the biotechnology or other compa- nies that profited from her cells passed any money back to her family, according to the medical journal, Nature. These are just two notable examples of how science and government have fos- tered distrust from the African American community. As for some white conservatives, they don’t trust science for multiple reasons, in- cluding that it may not reflect their world view, how they believe the world should be or their political beliefs. It does not help when we have elected officials stoking the flames of distrust against science, medicine and government, in turn causing a negative impact on patient lives. But something has to be done to improve Americans’ trust when it comes to science and research. How do we educate African Americans and some rural people on the importance of being vaccinated and simply wearing a mask? Three former presidents have said they are willing to get the vaccine in front of a camera. But that will not change the mind of people regarding COVID. We need public health messaging that is tailored to target- ed communities with trusted local leaders. Again, the issue is trust. Some experts have ideas for building trust by tapping the potential of mobile medical vaccination, faith-based and community leaders and social media. Entertainers and athletes have created videos to encourage people to be vaccinated. I worry about minorities who believe this country isn’t really concerned about their health, nomatter what public health officials say. I worry about far-right conservatives who believe that mainstream society has left them behind, so they voice their anger at scientists and health officials and then take their beliefs to the internet or conservative media. Surely, there is at least a short-term solution that would save their lives and pro- tect the ones they love. According to the CDC data, African Americans make up almost 20% of COVID deaths but only account for 13% of the U.S. population. A recent Gallup Poll found that less than half of nonwhite American adults would be willing to receive a COVID vaccine — compared to 61% of white adults. We will continue to have deaths and posi- tive cases until a sufficient number of people have taken the vaccine, finally, yet fatally, achieving herd immunity. Herd immunity makes it possible to pro- tect the population from disease, including newborns or those who have compromised immune systems. Through herd immunity, vaccines have successfully controlled deadly contagious diseases such as smallpox, polio, diphtheria, rubella and many others. The COVID 19 vaccine is unequivocally the most important vaccine of this century. Because of its characteristics and how it remains dor- mant for a period of time, this pandemic is frightening. The novel coronavirus is not only causing deaths at an alarming rate, but it is also leaving people with life-long side effects. We should be excited at the pros- pects of this vaccine and its ability to save and improve countless lives. Also, knowing that anAfricanAmerican scientist is one of the leading inventors of this vaccine should bring reassurance to certain communities that it is as safe as any other vaccine. But what can we do to improve trust as it pertains to healthcare providers and public health scientists? One clear way is to work together to decrease the polarization of the vaccines that has engendered widespread mistrust among the general public. Let us work together to create systemic anti-racist policies that will promote inclusiveness, ac- knowledgment and respect for all races and ethnic differences. Also, share information at all literacy levels so that everyone can understand the risks but believe in the ben- efits that these vaccines will provide. Let us create a plan that will increase transparency, accountability and respect for those who seek healthcare services or those who freely understand the importance of participating in clinical trials. Yes, taking the vaccine is voluntary. How- ever, we won’t achieve herd immunity until 75% of our total population is vaccinated. I encourage all of us to become knowledge- able about the positive impact that the COVID vaccine could have on our society. By working together, we have a chance to restore the broken trust in the healthcare system. n