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Health & Wellness News

LVHN doctor addresses social determinants of health that may impact certain communities leading to higher COVID-19 cases

LVHN-Dr.-Olando-Penaloza
Screenshot from a video on the LVHN Youtube Channel.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - In the US, people of color make up a greater share of confirmed COVID-19 cases than their share of the population according to an NPR analysis. And the CDC reports that Latinos are hospitalized from the virus at four point six times the rate of White Americans. 

Here in the Lehigh Valley, and even across the Commonwealth, the exact numbers are unclear due to inconsistencies in tracking race and ethnicity of confirmed cases. But, some experts have linked the disproportionate impact to economic and social stressors prevalent in communities of color. 

WLVR Community Correspondent Genesis Ortega spoke about these disparities with Lehigh Valley Health Network Doctor, Orlando Penaloza.

Lehhigh Valley Health Network is a supporter of Lehigh Valley Public Media.