EQUITY

Dr. Octavio Martinez, of New Braunfels, was tapped to join the Biden-Harris Administration COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. Now, he has a chance to use his expertise to impact federal policy as part of the White House’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. AdThe task force, established through an executive order signed by Biden on Jan. 21, includes doctors from across the nation who are experts in different fields of medicine, Martinez said. As cities across Texas began to declare racism a public health crisis, the Hogg Foundation similarly declared racism a mental health crisis last year. AdMartinez and the other task force members hope to improve outreach to minority communities and issue recommendations that lead to more a more equitable allocation of COVID-19 resources.

SAN ANTONIO – Experts and local leaders say education can directly combat racial inequity in communities, which transfers directly into the workforce. USAA granted $1 million to the nonprofit Communities in Schools, or CIS, which offers wraparound case management, social service referrals, mental health services and emergency assistance. The new grant asks the organization to specifically focus on disadvantaged students of color. Jessica Weaver, Communities in Schools San Antonio CEO, said students of color are the group’s key demographic and look forward to being able to help more students. “The 10 campuses that were supported by the USAA grant, three of the ten are brand new to us,” Weaver said.

SAN ANTONIO – Colors of the world markers and crayons, “I have a dream” clouds and a “world changer” - they’re just some of the crafts to get you started on a discussion with your kids about race, unity, diversity and the teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Jada Rashawn, of No Other Nanny, gives tips and pointers in the video above. You can follow her on Instagram and check out her website here. Related:- Potty training tips for new parents

Transportation is a vital part of any major city, but it can also be one of the biggest sources of frustration. In this week’s episode of KSAT Explains, we examined San Antonio’s troubled mass transit history, the challenges ahead as our city continues to grow and VIA's fight for more funding.