LGBT Tech Signs Letters Calling for Improved COVID-19 Demographic Data Collection

Earlier this week, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) delivered letters to both Congressional Leaders and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The APIAHF's respective Demographic Data Sign On Letters address the Federal government's failure to collect, analyze, and report adequate demographic data on the communities most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak: communities of color. Both letters state that "While anyone can be at risk for infection from the novel coronavirus, in the United States many systemic inequities, discrimination, and harmful social determinants of health have led to long-standing disparities in communities of color and other populations. As a result, COVID-19 is disproportionately leading to severe illness and mortality within these communities." Collecting demographic data such as race, ethnicity, sex, age, primary language, sexual orientation, disability status, gender identity, and socioeconomic status - categories outlined in the letters - would help agencies at the federal, state, and local levels allocate resources to communities most affected by the virus. Over 250 organizations, including LGBT Tech, signed the APIAHF's letters. Read them below: Demographic Data Sign On Letter to Congressional Leaders Demographic Data Sign On Letter to HHS