STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY

A Statement from the Minority Health Coalitions of Houston

The African American, Hispanic, and Asian American Health Coalitions join in solidarity to support the health and well-being of all communities throughout our country and the world. We acknowledge that the social determinants of health, the conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age, can have a significant influence on health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.

Therefore, we strongly support health care and public health infrastructure that promotes optimal environmental conditions for all communities. Unfortunately, racism and implicit bias often impact the provision of quality healthcare and services, especially in the minority and low-income vulnerable communities. Infectious diseases and major public health crises, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, affect all communities. As minority health coalitions, we advocate for health equity and support the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin.

We believe that the brutal killings of George Floyd, Philando Castile, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and many other African Americans are symptoms of the racism that infiltrates many of our institutions. Black communities have been disproportionately the target of violence and unfair treatment deeply rooted in structural and systemic racism.

We offer our condolences, support, and steadfast commitment to amplifying calls and action for racial justice, racial equity, and health equity. We will strive within the scope of each of our organizations to ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin, can reach their optimal state of health and well-being.