Inequity: Society’s most important pre-existing condition

The breadth and expected duration of the COVID-19 pandemic brings the entire range of society’s institutional structures into sharp relief at once. Its pervasive impact stretches from the direct toll, chronicled daily in news reports tracking increased cases and deaths,to extensive economic and psychological distress from America’s efforts to mitigate the virus’ spread.

The pandemic’s effects are connected. Mitigation efforts prevent disease spread, but they also disrupt economic activity, employment, and access to basic goods and services such as food, shelter, water, and utilities. These effects cascade, producing stress, anxiety, and strain in coping with daily life. All of these effects have health consequences. Indeed, viewed comprehensively, the pandemic’s overarching effect is to challenge the basic building blocks of a healthy society across all sectors. But amidst all of the tragedy and upheaval, we also can chart a unified course for a healthier, more equitable future.