Hofstra's Public Health Alumni Association Statement on "plague of systemic racism in the US"






2020 is proving to be one of the toughest times for our nation. Amidst the global wide COVID-19 pandemic, we have also been reminded of issues that have, and continue to, plague our country. The issues of racism, injustice, discrimination, and inequality are deeply rooted in our history. Despite the civil rights-era activism and legislation, these issues are still prevalent today. This has recently been highlighted both by COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd.

We are living through a multilayered public health crisis and action must be taken. As public health professionals, we implore you and encourage you to let your voices be heard and take action. We ask you to engage in conversations; conversations which will be uncomfortable, but necessary. We ask you to educate not only yourself, but your peers. We need to come together, learn from one another, and mend the damage inflicted on persons of color, especially the black community. This situation will not be fixed overnight, and will not be fixed by one person, but if we come together with a well-organized and educated force, we can make a difference. 

Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing resources that you can utilize. This will include educational resources, actionable items, and vetted campaigns. We also want to turn to you, our public health alumni, for your expertise on the discussion of racial inequity and injustice. Racism is a public health crisis and we hope that by providing you with a variety of resources, you will have the necessary tools to be informed and effectuate change in your own context: at work, at home, and among friends. 

It is our wish that you find a way to stay safe and healthy while being vocal and vigilant.

Sincerely,

The 2018-2020 Executive Board

Aditya A. Bissoonauth, MPH, MBA, CHES                                  Kerry Meyers, MPH, CHES
President                                                                                          Vice President  

Margaret Wayne, MPH                                                                   Tracey Tran, MPH
Events Manager                                                                              Treasurer
                       
Lauren Doodian, MPH, CHES                                                       Corinne Kyriacou, PhD, MPH
Secretary                                                                                         Faculty Advisor

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