Politics & Government

Beverly Moves To Declare Racism A Public Health Issue

Beverly City Council approved a measure that was the first step in adopting a stance being considered in several Massachusetts communities.

Dave Copeland's profile picture
Dave Copeland, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
"Everybody already knows that housing, education, employment are social determinants of health," Beverly Human Rights committee member Esther Ngotho told city council. "Racism drives all of those."​
"Everybody already knows that housing, education, employment are social determinants of health," Beverly Human Rights committee member Esther Ngotho told city council. "Racism drives all of those."​ (Dave Copeland/Patch)

BEVERLY, MA — Beverly City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to support efforts to "honestly and directly address minority health inequities."

The resolution co-authored by Ward 2 Councilor Estelle Rand and At-Large Councilor Julie Flowers is seen as a first step in the city's effort to declare racism a public health issue. Mayor Mike Cahill and the city's public health department are moving forward with plans to formally declare racism a public health issue.

"Everybody already knows that housing, education, employment are social determinants of health," Beverly Human Rights committee member Esther Ngotho told city council. "Racism drives all of those."

Find out what's happening in Beverlyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Dave Copeland covers Beverly and other North Shore communities for Patch. He can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Beverly