New Nationwide Poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation and The Undefeated Reveals Distrust of the Health Care System Among Black Americans

Half of African Americans say they don't take a coronavirus vaccine
KFF / The Undefeated survey shows different views on health care between black and white in America
The poll results released today were posted on The Undefeated starting today

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) and The Undefeated conducted a joint statewide survey that explored the views and experiences of African Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the disproportionate impact of the virus on black communities, 49 percent of African Americans say they will avoid taking a vaccine even if scientists think it is safe and it is available free of charge to anyone who wants it.

1,769 adults were surveyed between August 20 and September 14, including 777 African American. While half of African Americans said they were likely or definitely opposed to a coronavirus vaccine, two-thirds of whites said they would definitely or likely be vaccinated, as did 60 percent of Hispanic adults compared.

In addition to examining the effects of the coronavirus, the Undefeated / KFF survey is one of the most extensive studies of recent years on the attitudes and experiences of blacks in the healthcare sector. The results show how the experiences of black and white communities differ. A full analytical report based on the full survey will be available on Wednesday Here. Main results:

Mistrust of the health system:

Nearly six in ten African Americans said they trust the country's health system only partially, or almost always, to do what is right for their communities.

Effects on black households:

39 percent of black adults said they knew someone who died from the coronavirus, almost twice as often as white adults.
After the pandemic, a third of black adults and nearly half of black parents are having trouble paying their bills.
Two in three black parents have either lost their jobs or their incomes have been cut since the pandemic broke out in February.

Undefeated, ESPN's content platform that explores the intersection of sport, race and culture, has started reporting survey results today at www.TheUndefeated.com and will continue to post daily through Thursday October 15. Highlights:

Different Views on Health Care in America: ESPN Senior Writer Michael Fletcher takes an in-depth look at The Undefeated / KFF survey results, focusing on the diverse views black and white people have about the healthcare system. Fletcher contrasts experiences, resources and access to care, as well as views on the effects of structural racism, as well as histories and health profiles.
Mistrust (Wed, October 14): The undefeated senior writer Jesse Washington focuses on African Americans' significant distrust of the health system, from their experience finding and working with doctors to the relative shortage of black doctors.
The Coronavirus Vaccine Dilemma (Wed, October 14): The undefeated senior writer Lonnae O'Neal investigates whether African Americans are taking a vaccine and more.
The COVID-19 double consciousness (Thursday, October 15): O'Neal is writing an essay on the civil rights movement of our time.
The Black Family (Thursday, October 15): Fletcher writes about how the pandemic hit the black family – 46 percent of black parents said the pandemic had a huge impact on their ability to afford basic needs, while a third of black parents said the pandemic had a major negative The ability to care for their children influenced their families.
Bias (Thursday, October 15): Washington is researching unconscious bias, as seven in ten black adults say unconscious bias has been an obstacle in their lives.

Executive statements:

Kevin Merida, Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of The Undefeated: “We are proud to be partnering with the Kaiser Family Foundation on this groundbreaking project that explores black Americans' views on the healthcare system and the health impact of COVID-19. This extraordinary survey, and its reports and essays, are a symbol of The Undefeated’s commitment to addressing the most important issues facing black communities. "

Drew Altman, President and Chief Executive Officer, KFF: "This joint survey and reporting project addresses widespread systemic health disparities affecting the black community, and the results of a coronavirus vaccine are a loud alarm bell for the need for significant and credible public relations if one Vaccine is being distributed to help slow the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on black Americans. "

The undefeated is ESPN's cross-platform content initiative that explores the intersection of sport, race and culture. TheUndefeated.com digital hub, launched in May 2016, combines innovative long and short storytelling, investigation, original reporting and provocative commentary to educate and entertain African Americans as well as sports fans seeking a deeper understanding of black athletes, Culture and related issues.

In addition to its latest content, The Undefeated aims to be a thought leader on race, sports and culture in the country, convening insightful forums to discuss and debate topical issues affecting sports and racing in America.

KFF: The KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, California that needs trusted information on national health issues. KFF is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.