Statement from Department of Nursing Faculty on Racial Solidarity
As faculty of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing cannot remain silent as our nation struggles to come to terms with the horrific murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others. Silence aids the oppressor, never society. Black Lives Matter. Our faculty celebrates diversity through an exchange of ideas and open communication despite differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, social class, or disability.
Systemic and institutional racism continues to exist in our country. One of the central tenants of nursing is to do no harm. Yet the prevalence of racism, implicit bias and social disparities within our health care system harm our African-American patients, families and communities. The social determinants of health account for more than 60 percent of health outcomes. Lack of access, inferior medical treatment, limited economic opportunities, environmental safety, educational resources and a discriminatory judicial system have left African-American communities disadvantaged for far too long.
In short, racism is a public health crisis. We stand with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the American Public Health Association (APHA), and other health care associations in the call for equality and justice for all. This will require dedicated efforts and necessitates that we, as health care providers, community advocates, educators, liaisons and citizens listen, learn and relearn, in order to effectively combat systemic racism in our health care systems across the country.
