YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board has declared racism a public health crisis.

“Communities of color, people of low social economic status and individuals who have disabilities are more likely to experience poor health outcomes as a consequence of social determinants of health,” the board said in a news release.

Among the factors affecting health outcomes are economic stability, education, physical environment, inadequate food and access to health care systems, including mental health and addiction, the board stated.

The board approved the declaration at a meeting earlier this week because its members “felt strongly we needed to make a statement that covers many areas of life and to have action steps to address racism,” said Duane Piccirilli, executive director.

“Trauma is often experienced by racial and ethnic population groups as a result of premature deaths, major assaults on culture and intergenerational lost opportunities,” the board stated.

“Eradicating racism deserves action from all levels of government and society.”

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