Mensa's World Gathering 2021

The National Divide: How Partisanship and Mistrust Hinder Health Policy (Room Lanier Grand Ballroom J)

26 Aug 21
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM

Tracks: Speaker (Non-Member)

Speaker(s): Chris Kulesza, Scholar of Child Health Policy, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy

The Covid-19 pandemic shed new light on the growing political polarization across the United States. While researchers formed a consensus on the importance of social distancing, mask-wearing, and vaccine distribution, elected officials were often hesitant to respond to growing case numbers. This hesitancy was fueled by a divided public that became fatigued and doubtful of public health measures. This presentation will discuss how polarization among the public and elected officials has contributed to widening disparities in food access, employment, and health care. It will also discuss how to formulate health policy to better address inequities moving forward.