Bloomberg American Health Initiative

The American Health Podcast

Bloomberg American Health Initiative

  • Will Biden's Infrastructure Plan Address Years of Inequity?

Will Biden's Infrastructure Plan Address Years of Inequity?

Friday 4th February 2022

Explore how Biden's $1 trillion infrastructure plan aims to rectify systemic racism and inequities in this episode of The American Health Podcast.
17 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Empowering
Engaging
Hopeful

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The American Health Podcast
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Can Biden's Infrastructure Plan Mend America's Divides?

It comes down to implementation. Right, how are those dollars actually being passed through and being shared with communities? And do communities have voices and a stake at the table? It's a different way of thinking about or sort of moving forward with decision making than we typically see, but it is the way that I think is critical to help ensure that we reach the equity goals.
Imagine a world where highways don't split communities, and public transit serves everyone equally. That's the vision behind President Biden's $1 trillion infrastructure plan, and it's the hot topic in this episode of The American Health Podcast. Andrea K. McDaniels, Director of Communications for the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, sits down with Professor Keshia Pollack Porter from Johns Hopkins to dissect the potential of this ambitious plan to heal decades of systemic inequities.
For too long, infrastructure policies have sidelined communities of color, displacing residents and neglecting essential services. This episode takes a hard look at whether Biden's plan can right these wrongs. One of the burning questions discussed is how states will allocate the funds—will they prioritize the marginalized communities that have been most affected? Porter underscores the critical role of community voices in decision-making to ensure fair distribution.
She also draws lessons from public health, stressing how economic status, housing, and even zip codes impact health outcomes. The conversation isn't just urban-centric; rural communities are also a key focus, highlighting how infrastructure affects everyone. While the plan marks a significant step forward, Porter emphasizes the need for vigilant implementation and community involvement to truly achieve equity. As she aptly puts it, 'It comes down to implementation. How are those dollars actually being passed through and shared with communities?
Do communities have voices and a stake at the table?' This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how infrastructure can be a tool for social justice and better public health. Tune in to get a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.