The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted communities worldwide, and Albany, Georgia, is no exception. A recent five-part series by ProPublica explores the significant challenges this small city faced during the health crisis, focusing on its only hospital, Phoebe Putney Memorial.
Albany’s COVID-19 Crisis
When the outbreak began in early 2020, Albany recorded one of the highest COVID-19 case rates in the nation. With a population of approximately 67,000, the majority of its residents are Black. However, the leadership managing the response to the crisis was predominantly white.
Disproportionate Impact on Black Residents
As COVID-19 wreaked havoc, the situation for Black residents grew increasingly dire. By early April, 38 individuals had succumbed to the virus, a disproportionate number of whom were Black. In a poignant press briefing, city officials publicly mourned the death of Judge Nancy Stephenson, the only individual explicitly recognized at that time, raising questions about the city’s priorities.
- Key Figures: Mayor Kermit “Bo” Dorough and county chair Christopher Cohilas led the city’s COVID-19 response.
- Major Event: The first recognition of a death was reserved for Judge Stephenson, prompting community outrage.
- Context: The city’s historical leadership composition contrasts sharply with the demographic makeup of its residents.
Challenges of Health Inequity
Community leaders like Pastor Daniel Simmons voiced concerns about Albany’s healthcare system. He argued that the city’s response to the pandemic reflected long-standing inequities in access to care for Black and low-income residents. Simmons stated, “If Albany had done things differently, our community wouldn’t have been as vulnerable.”
Phoebe Putney Memorial, Albany’s largest healthcare provider, has faced scrutiny regarding its ability to serve the community effectively. The hospital has been both the primary healthcare facility and the city’s largest employer. Despite professing a commitment to equitable care, the system’s past actions raised questions about its impact on health outcomes.
Investigating Systemic Issues
The series, which spans four years of research, delves into the complicated relationships within Albany’s healthcare environment. Investigators conducted over 150 interviews and reviewed thousands of documents, revealing that Phoebe Putney often prioritized financial gain over the health needs of the community.
- Hospital’s Growth: Phoebe sought to eliminate competition and, in doing so, significantly impacted the cost and quality of care.
- Accountability Issues: The increasing dependency on the hospital complicated efforts to challenge its practices.
While some hospital leaders faced criticism, they responded by emphasizing positive patient experiences, which were often overlooked in the coverage. Nevertheless, the series aims to amplify the voices of those who have historically been marginalized in healthcare discussions.
Conclusion
As Albany continues to recover from the pandemic, understanding its hidden narratives is crucial. The challenges faced by the Black community, disproportionate health impacts, and the role of local leadership raise important questions. By sharing these stories, El-Balad hopes to encourage a more equitable approach to healthcare in Albany and beyond.
