The events of this past week around racial injustice have weighed heavily on all of us here at the District of Columbia Hospital Association. The tragic loss of George Floyd (MN), Breonna Taylor (KY) and Ahmaud Arbery (GA) weighs heavy on our hearts and the hurt being felt by so many people is palpable. Because of a lack of progressive change when it comes to equity in health care, economic opportunity and other systemic issues of racial disparity, we have reached a tipping point. The root of the injustice and disparities being protested is a reality we must face and work to resolve. We see it, hear it, experience it.
DCHA believes that diversity, equity and inclusion are as important as ever. We support peaceful protests but do not condone intolerance, racism, violence or discrimination. We support our hospitals as places of healing and are committed to the well-being of ALL citizens – no matter their color, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, background or values.
Each of us must be more vigilant in doing the work of promoting acceptance and being accountable. We cannot and will not accept hate in any form. The senseless killings and day-to-day injustices inflicted upon individuals simply because of their skin color must end now.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. — Martin Luther King, Jr.
