'Ask a Black Doctor About Covid-19' Facebook event set for Thursday

Every other week an informal online chat known as “Ask a Black Doctor about Covid-19” attracts more than 24,000 views. But as covid-19 cases reach record highs in Allegheny County, a session scheduled for Thursday evening is expected to exceed previous viewership numbers.

Presented by 1Hood Media and the Gateway Medical Society, the live Facebook Chat seeks to provide expert insight and support for Black residents in Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania, who are disproportionately impacted by covid-19.

1Hood Media founder Jasiri X moderates the discussions. In an interview with the Trib, he cited statistics showing Black people are contracting covid-19 at a rate more than two times higher than white people.

“To me, it’s just a product of the institutional racism that exists in the public health space,” he said. “The fact is that we’re not as insured or don’t have access to insurance in many cases.

“Pittsburgh has one of the poorest Black communities in the nation. In a lot of cases, if you get covid, you don’t have a house that gives you the ability to isolate yourself. And most of the front line and essential workers are Black people.”

The “Ask a Black Doctor” virtual meetings provide an opportunity to ask questions, share information and talk about the global pandemic, according to Jasiri X.

“We just saw early on the need to inform our community,” he said.

Guest panelists include Dr. Rachel Toney, Dr. Danielle L. Smith and Dr. Shantal Villaobos.

“I think for Black people having a Black doctor, having somebody that looks like them and has that shared experience with them makes us more comfortable having those conversations.”

The chats began in May; this is the fifth episode of “Ask a Black Doctor.”

Thursday’s conversation begins at 7 p.m. at Facebook.com/1HoodMedia/.