Addressing health inequities re-illuminated by the COVID-19 pandemic: How can nursing respond?

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 mortality rate among Black adults in the U.S. is double that of other racial and ethnic groups. The current pandemic is re-illuminating health inequities that are pervasive in our society and reflected in our health system. This creative controversy describes critical conversations needed within nursing to acknowledge the contribution of structural racism to health equity. We recommend implementing structural competency into nursing education and prioritizing nursing research and policies focused on health equity and community-based interventions.