In a recent meeting, Andrew Lane, director of racial and social justice for the YWCA Greater Lafayette, provided an update on the Community Action Team's (CAT) initiatives aimed at addressing systemic racism, which was declared a public health crisis by West Lafayette and Tippecanoe County two years ago. Lane emphasized the importance of collaboration among various local organizations, including Purdue University, IU Health, and the West Lafayette City Clerk's office, to drive forward their mission of equity and inclusion.

The CAT is focused on closing racial disparities in healthcare, housing, and education, recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues. Lane called for a reaffirmation of the city’s commitment to eradicating racial bias through policy reviews and data collection on racial disparities in city staffing and contracting. He urged city officials to utilize all available tools to eliminate disparities across key indicators such as health, education, and employment.

One of the pressing issues discussed was the need for improved communication and resource pooling among community organizations. Lane highlighted the housing committee's efforts to address eviction processes, particularly the need for eviction notices to be served in Spanish to better serve non-English speaking residents. He also called for local legal assistance to support those facing eviction, noting the challenges posed by recent Supreme Court rulings that criminalize homelessness.

In the education sector, the CAT is collaborating with various youth services and educational institutions to enhance opportunities for underprivileged youth. Lane stressed the importance of implementing programs that ensure equitable access to quality education.

Additionally, the healthcare committee is working with local health organizations to gather community feedback and improve services. Lane pointed out the alarming statistics regarding maternal and infant mortality rates in Indiana, advocating for increased funding for programs that support mothers and infants, particularly through initiatives like transformative birth services that provide doulas to assist during and after childbirth.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to addressing racial disparities and improving the quality of life for all community members through targeted initiatives and collaborative efforts.