Speak Out — Call Governor Parson TODAY at 573-751-3222. Racial Statistics need to be tracked now by the State of Missouri.

Data coming in from states across the country, is showing that Black people are dying at disproportionately higher rates from COVID-19 than any other Americans .

Illinois reports: African-Americans account for 15% of the state’s population but 28.4% of COVID-19 cases and 42.9% of deaths.

Louisiana reports: African-Americans account for 32.2% of the state’s population but 70% of deaths due to COVID-19.

Michigan reports: African Americans account for 14% of the state’s population but 33% of COVID-19 cases and 40% of deaths.

The coronavirus outbreak has brought to light the racial and ethnic health disparities long experienced by communities of color in our country; however, it is impossible to obtain a full picture of the current crisis within the state of Missouri without having access to the racial disparity numbers.

Missouri currently tracks and reports positive COVID-19 cases and deaths by age, gender, and County location. We are calling for local and federal officials to begin tracking and reporting demographics by race, as well.

Knowing the numbers can help in tailoring messages directed to communities of color and provide more resources to these hardest hit populations through legislation.

Please call Governor Parson’s office at 573-751-3222 and tell them racial demographics must be tracked and reported by the State–NOW. Gathering this information after the fact is TOO LATE.

Statistics complied by Nanda Nunnelly Sparks, Chair, MO 7th Congressional District. These statistics are found on the official state sites in Louisiana, Michigan.  The Illinois numbers were reported in the Chicago Reporter. We want to see the racial statistics listed on the Missouri official site. This action must be directed by the Governor to the Department of Health and Human Services for Missouri. 

Southwest Missouri Democrats is committed to building communities where all recognize Black Lives matter. We hope you will join us in making the call to Governor Parson today.

Please Call Today!
  

Our Motivation this Monday is #ProtectOthers. Please #WearAMask, observe #StayAtHome orders, and practice #PhysicalDistancing when out for necessary work or shopping. Southwest Missouri Democrats speaking out can change political minds. We made enough calls throughout the state for our Governor to issue a #StayAtHome order effective today until April 30th. Many feel his order is not stringent enough and perhaps more calls will need to be made. In the meantime please follow the #MOStayAtHomeOrder (read the full order by clicking on the hashtag). Make sure when you are outside your home necessarily to #WearAMask and follow 6 to 10 foot physical distancing guidelines. This CDC recommendation for #PhysicalDistancing should be followed for any human who does not live in your home. Watch for #SWMODems Speak Out — Call Your Legislators emails and social media posts. These messages will direct you with information about needed calls to Federal Legislators and MO State Legislators. We hope you are calling each week, but these calls have never been more important than now. as we face this #COVID19 crisis. Wear a Mask if you leave home for necessary work or shopping. If you sew and would be willing to help others obtain masks please email Krista at swmodems@gmail.com she has a project to discuss with our members who have a sewing machine and the ability to sew masks. From our @SouthwestMissouriDemocrats Facebook Page #MotivationMonday #ProtectOthers Miss Cutie Pie Holland and Mr. Cutie Pie Mykah would like to remind our members that the CDC recommends you wear a mask when in public. Our #CutiePies and their families are practicing #StayAtHome measures. They would need a mask to go out in case of emergency or natural disaster. *NOTE* Remember to leave true PPE for Medical Professionals. *NOTE* Cloth and homemade masks are for additional protection, 6 to 10 foot social distancing should be observed, from any human who does not live in your home. #SoundOff #SWMODems Do you have your mask yet? You need one for necessary outings, medical emergencies, or to wear while sheltering in case of natural disaster, or weather event. Southwest Missouri Democrats and our MO Democratic Party miss in person contact with our members and volunteers. We look forward to seeing you all again when our medical professionals and scientists say it is safe for us to gather again. Democrats believe in science, and we have been following CDC recommendations, while working from home for the people of SWMO and our state.  If you wish to be a 2020 Delegate please see the following info about our switch to a digital delegate selection process for MO. Also join the following Missouri 2020 Delegates Facebook page if you use that social media platform https://www.facebook.com/groups/142100817129634/ . Message from Lauren Gepford, MDP Executive Director Hi all – State and district-level national delegates will now be selected via electronic and mail in ballots. You must file to run as a delegate by April 30th and submit your request for a ballot to vote for state delegates by May 2nd. The website has been updated with all the info you should need. Check out the “training” button for a powerpoint. Website to file and request ballot –> https://missouridemocrats.org/2020-2/

Effective Wed. 3/18/20

COVID-19 Guidance from the CDC currently (3/18/20) recommends cancelling all large gatherings. Democrats will rely on science to try to help #FlattenTheCurve in this health crisis.  ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS of SWMO Democrats are cancelled until further notice.

Per SWMO Dems Board decision and MDP Suggested Guidelines… Effective at 3 PM Wed. 3/18/20 our office will be closed to Volunteers and our Staff will be set to work from home procedures for the duration of the COVID-19 situation.  

If you wish to make Voter ID Calls from home call Krista at 417-347-8443 to have further Voter ID Lists emailed. We thank all members of #TeamBlue for your work and flexibility during this time.

March SWMO Dems Town Hall and All Large in Person Meetings of Southwest Missouri Democrats CANCELLED until further notice.

Democrats trust science and in line with this ideal, given the developments in our state and nation surrounding the COVID-19 situation, Southwest Missouri Democrats is following the CDC’s recommendations on social distancing.  We will update as to when we can resume normal #SWMODems activities as details are available. 

From the Center for Disease Control… https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

Americans should be prepared for the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak in their community. The community can take measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Currently a vaccine or drug is not available for COVID-19. Community-based interventions such as school dismissals, event cancellations, social distancing, and creating employee plans to work remotely can help slow the spread of COVID-19.  Individuals can practice everyday prevention measures like frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes.

Decisions about the implementation of community measures will be made by local and state officials, in consultation with federal officials as appropriate, and based on the scope of the outbreak and the severity of illness.  Implementation will require extensive community engagement, with ongoing and transparent public health communications.

We will NOT hold a March Town Hall on Wed. March 18th and will let you know about April’s third Wed. meeting as the situation develops. 

 

3/16/20

Contact: 

Krista Stark

Executive Director

Southwest Missouri Democrats