'Ask a Black Doctor About Covid-19' series to discuss recent surge in young people

A Facebook event on Thursday called “Ask a Black Doctor About Covid-19” will include a discussion about the recent surge in coronavirus cases in people between the ages of 20 and 29.

The “Ask a Black Doctor About Covid-19” series allows people to chat in real-time with medical professionals of color.

The series, hosted by 1Hood Media and Gateway Medical Society, began in May. It now garners about 24,000 views per week, 1Hood Media said in a release.

Jasiri X, founder of 1Hood Media, moderates these Facebook chats. Citing data that shows covid-19 disproportionately affects Black communities, Jasiri X said it’s imperative to provide those communities with the proper resources and knowledge to combat the spread of covid-19.

“Having somebody that looks like you, having somebody that can explain the medical terminology in language you can understand, is paramount,” he said.

With a panel of young medical professionals set to talk, Jasiri X said it seemed fitting to discuss the recent trend in younger people contracting the virus.

“A lot of people went out to bars, went out to restaurants. Mostly, it’s younger people that want to go out,” he said. “We’re not saying you can’t go out. We’re saying, when you do go out, make sure you’re masked up, have sanitizer with you, practice social distancing.”

Another topic on the docket for tonight’s Facebook chat will be reopening schools, Jasiri X said. He noted that young people may be particularly concerned with what schools will do to reopen in the fall and how they can stay safe in the classroom.

Medical professionals speaking include Kyanna Williams Pate, project coordinator at Gateway Medical Society; Dr. Stephanie Miller, a primary care physician in family medicine; and Dr. Daniel Salahuddin, a fourth-year resident in training in family medicine and psychiatry. The chat begins at 7 p.m.

To participate in the conversation, visit facebook.com/1HoodMedia.