Governor Raimondo’s Equity Council – Who’s Missing?

May 20, 2020/RINewsToday

This week the Governor responded to queries from the media about who are the people and groups who are helping her come up with policy decisions on the state’s response to the Coronavirus crisis.

She mentioned her Equity Committee. And that the list of people was long and it was on the website. After searching for it, we followed up with her office to see who is on this committee, and asked for minutes or agendas of their meetings or other format where decisions on issues were recommended.

Yesterday, we learned that the group will meet this Friday. And we were provided with this list, which was put on the website yesterday morning. No response was given as to their past meetings or agenda or issues that were being considered.

The Governor suggested that people look at the list and see who is not on it, who should be, and to make recommendations.

One category which may be broadly represented by some of the offices people serve from, but not exclusively dedicated to their needs are “seniors” – with two specific categories – those over 60/65/those who may be at high risk with co-morbidities – and those who live in congregate housing such as assisted living, long term care, and nursing homes. Over 75% of fatalities are among seniors living in congregate housing, and the coronavirus disproportionately impacts those over 65 – and especially fatal to those over 80.

Another group we’d recommend would be those in group homes with developmental disabilities – while BHDDH is represented, there are no parent or family representatives, such as the DD group.

We will be making this recommendation. Are there others who are special groups not represented here? Send them to us at: [email protected]