A group of legislators is calling on the California Health and Human Services Agency to collect and publicly release disaggregated demographic information on the novel coronavirus infections and mortality to assist the fight against the spread of the disease.
In a letter issued Friday to agency Secretary Mark Ghaly — and signed by Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), whose 27th U.S. Congressional District includes Pasadena and Altadena — six Democratic lawmakers said subgroup data was necessary to identify and address health disparities during the pandemic.
For example, while infection and mortality rates in communities of color are disproportionately high, testing rates are low, the letter pointed out.
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Other representatives from California who signed the letter include Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), Barbara Lee (D-Oakland), Linda Sánchez (D-Whittier), Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) and Nanette Barragán (D-San Pedro).