Glenn Youngkin described Virginia’s top health official as “very capable” to lead the state’s Department of Health while distancing himself from the latter’s comments on the role of racism in health disparities. He also took issue with the term “racism,” telling the Post that “if you say ‘racism,’ you’re blaming White people.”Some Virginia Department of Health staffers also told the Post they were fearful for their jobs after Greene downplayed the role of racism in health disparities. Lawmakers, public health experts and political groups including the Virginia chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus have denounced Greene’s statements and questioned his ability to lead the department. And we’re going to support him to prove that.”The commissioner’s comments last week represented a 180-degree shift for state health leaders after former Gov. In Virginia, Black women die from pregnancy-related complications at more than twice the rate of White women, and former Health Commissioner Dr.

Source: Washington Post June 21, 2022 20:08 UTC