Current racial injustice occurring across the country disheartens The National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE). We share the anguish and hurt of the victims and families affected by the recent inhumane treatment and death of George Floyd, the aggressive, brutal acts of the shooting and killing of Ahmaud Arbery while jogging in his hometown in Brunswick, Georgia, the senseless death involving officers entering the Louisville, Kentucky home of emergency medical technician Breonna Taylor, and past pattern of the ruthless deaths of Trayvon Martin in Florida, Eric Garner in New York, Walter Scott in South Carolina, Terence Crutcher in Oklahoma, Botham Jean in Texas and other African-American males.
NAHSE’s very existence as a non-profit association of Black health care executives is grounded in pride in our vital role in elevating the quality of health care services and addressing healthcare disparities of minorities and under-served communities. Our vision is to improve the health status of the communities we serve, including addressing societal issues such as the systemic connection between racism and healthcare disparities that impact African Americans.
As an African American male, I understand and profess “Black Lives MATTER” and call attention to the heightening frustration and anger of the reality of institutionalized racism evidenced by the inequality in law enforcement. These lingering unaccountable injustices are inciting justifiable frustration and resentment spilling out in the streets across America, even amid the CoVid-19 pandemic. The hurt, anger, and frustration that are driving this enduring plague cannot be misinterpreted or dismissed.
NAHSE does not condone violence and destruction but strongly supports the voiceless making themselves heard. While it is easy to pinpoint the challenges in these situations, NAHSE seeks to be a part of the solution. As leaders in NAHSE, we have an affirmative responsibility to be a force for change and to support our communities to find a way forward during these unprecedented seasons.
We are at the forefront and will remain steadfast in governing ourselves strategically with respect and understanding of others. With relentlessness, NASHE continues its commitment in eradicating minorities’ health disparities, including the senseless killing of African Americans. We must organize, plan, and use our collective voices to bring about the change for a nurturing, inclusive community where all people are safe, supported, and appreciated.
Our prayers are for families, community leaders, law enforcement, governmental agencies, and cities impacted during the civil unrest that has erupted from what invariably began as peaceful protests in over 100 cities.
Fabian A. Stone, President
