TRENTON, N.J. — Senator Angela V. McKnight (D-Hudson) has introduced Senate Resolution No. 50, which formally declares racism as a public health crisis in New Jersey. The resolution, pre-filed for introduction in the 2024 legislative session, acknowledges the systemic inequities faced by racial and ethnic minorities in the state and across the country.
The resolution highlights the wide-ranging impact of structural racism, particularly in the healthcare system. Black communities face disproportionately higher rates of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The maternal mortality rate for Black women is three to four times higher than that of white women, and Black children are twice as likely to have asthma.
The resolution also addresses racial disparities in policing and the criminal justice system, noting that Black people in New Jersey are three times more likely than white individuals to face the use of force by police. Furthermore, Black youth are 21 times more likely than their white peers to be sentenced to prison in the state.
Senator McKnight’s resolution emphasizes that sustained exposure to racism increases stress and leads to poor health outcomes for marginalized communities. It calls for New Jersey to acknowledge the public health impacts of racism and work toward addressing these inequities.
The resolution is aligned with similar declarations made by major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Public Health Association, which have recognized racism as a driver of health disparities.
If passed, the resolution will be sent to the Commissioner of Health and the Attorney General of New Jersey to ensure the issue remains a priority in public health policy.