NBA to provide COVID-19 tests to marginalized communities

The NBA is collaborating with the National Urban League and UnidosUS to provide COVID-19 tests nationwide.

A primary reason for the NBA being hesitant on when exactly to restart the season was to not take away essential COVID-19 testing from the community. This was especially the case for Orlando, Florida, one of the new epicenters of the coronavirus pandemic. Wed., July 29, saw Orange County record at least 400 cases for the ninth time in the last 10 days (via ClickOrlando).

Now that the league is comfortably operating inside the bubble and recording zero cases, it’s time for them to give back, particularly to marginalized communities. Toronto Raptors beat writer Blake Murphy reported that the NBA plans to provide free COVID-19 tests nationwide.

“The NBA just announced they will provide “thousands of no-cost COVID-19 PCR tests in Orlando and in team markets nationwide,” Murphy tweeted Tues. afternoon. “They are collaborating with the National Urban League and UnidosUS to identify marginalized communities most in need.”

The NBA has been criticized for consuming so many tests when there is a shortage elsewhere

The coronavirus has been much more rampant among people of color than any other race. As of July 21, black Americans have the highest recorded mortality rate from the disease (via APM Research Lab). Native Americans, Pacific Islanders and Latinos are among this group as well.

The National Urban League and UnidosUS are the perfect non-profit organizations for this type of collaboration. The National Urban League, based in New York City, focuses on economic and social justice as well as racial discrimination for African Americans. UnidosUS, based in Washington, DC, does the same for the Latino community.

This is another step in the right direction for the NBA. The league has been extremely active both on the social injustice front and the fight against coronavirus. A collaboration with these organizations addresses both issues and could result in a long-term relationship in the future as well.