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Reps. Brown, Johnson, and Torres Lead Letter Urging Biden Administration to Combat Monkeypox Vaccine Healthcare Inequities

August 18, 2022

WASHINGTON – Representatives Shontel M. Brown (OH-11), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (GA-4), and Ritchie Torres (NY-15) led a group of 23 Members of Congress urging the administration to strengthen efforts to address inequities in our public health system.

To prevent and reduce the spread of infectious diseases, Reps. Brown, Johnson, and Torres penned a letter requesting the administration ensure the fair distribution of monkeypox vaccines, testing, and therapeutics among at-risk groups that have been historically disadvantaged.

"The prevalence of highly infectious diseases like Monkeypox and COVID-19 has been felt across the nation, but they have wreaked havoc disproportionately on minority communities that often lack access to basic healthcare resources like vaccines," said Rep. Brown, who is also a Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. "These inequities within our healthcare system are deeply rooted and have been documented for decades. And it is past time that we work to address them."

“In Georgia, monkeypox is infecting an overwhelming number of Black people compared to other races -- particularly Black men,” said Rep. Johnson. “Nationwide, despite Black and Hispanic people making up about one-third of the population, over half reported cases are within this group. Social determinants of health drive health disparities, but the Administration’s National Monkeypox Response has an opportunity to ensure the health of these communities. I am happy to work with Congresswoman Brown and Congressman Torres to avoid a worst-case scenario for this critical health emergency.”

“The US has a long and ugly history of ignoring the public health needs of the LGBTQ community. It is imperative that the federal response is equitable and does not leave at risk communities behind when it comes to testing and vaccinations. That is why my colleague, Congresswoman Brown and I are urging the administration to make every effort to address inequities in our public health system before history repeats itself,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres

The letter was sent to the National Monkeypox Response Coordinator, Robert J. Fenton Jr., and specifically called for the administration to expand its response efforts to target low-income individuals, those without access to internet and transportation, and other economic disparities. Additionally, the letter emphasized concern for the MSM and LGBTQ+ community, who make up 99% of confirmed monkeypox cases, by some estimates.

The letter can be viewed here.

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Communications Director: Will McDonald
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