A coalition entitled “Floridians Protecting Freedom” launched a citizen-led ballot initiative campaign to give women the right to seek abortions up to viability.

Our health care system depends on the ability and knowledge of its workers to understand and interact effectively with diverse patients, including those of other cultures or belief systems. As minorities continue to suffer at a disproportionate rate in Alachua County, the public health care crisis that impacts each and every one of us must be tackled. Sufficient health care facilities, staffed with professionals who are sensitive to the effects of racism on health care, is the goal.

As our nation rapidly approaches 1 million recorded deaths due to COVID-19, our Florida government officials loudly proclaim that masks and vaccinations are unnecessary. Public health has become as taboo of a subject as climate change. It is clear who suffers the most from ignorance of both: ethnic minorities and our underprivileged low-income neighbors.

The health of Alachua County depends not only on the fitness of its well-off residents. It must concern us all. Deficits and inequities in health cost everyone due to stresses on our health care workers and hospitals, increased taxes, insurance costs and reduced productivity that result. We can do better.