Dear Colleagues:
Earlier this week I expressed our shared sorrow over the recent, deeply troubling episodes of police brutality and how they’ve exacerbated an already turbulent national crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Public Health Association got it right when it deemed racism the ultimate social determinant of health.
The impact of the coronavirus on Black lives has been disproportionately harmful, especially among those who are medically, socially and economically vulnerable. Frustrations are compounded by the relentless loss of life due to structural racism, in cases like the death of George Floyd and ongoing epidemics of discrimination, mass incarceration and gun violence.
Public health faculty, staff and students are acutely aware of the damaging effect of these conditions on the health and well-being of us all. The peaceful protests we’ve seen speak volumes and inspire us to call for urgent changes to counteract systemic racism and racial injustice.
I encourage everyone to take action, whether that’s protesting peacefully in the streets (with masks and distancing), donating to organizations and funds that work for change, contacting your elected officials to make your voices heard, having tough conversations with friends and family -- and of course, voting in local primaries and nationally in November.
Premature death is a health outcome, and many such deaths—the overwhelming majority, in fact—come too early and can be prevented.
As public health professionals, we must redouble our efforts in the battle to end racism and other forms of intolerance, and shine a light on the policies and practices that help to eradicate them.
Cheryl Healton, DrPH
GPH Dean and Professor of Public Health Policy and Management