FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Statement attributable to:
Ada D. Stewart, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians strongly condemns violence of any kind, especially racial violence and hate crimes. We stand in support of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, many of whom are our members, our patients, our friends and our family.
“The events yesterday in Georgia are evidence of growing xenophobia and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. These hate crimes are a real and present threat to the safety of these communities, and we acknowledge that such violence poses specific and distinct health risks for our patients.
“As we have previously stated, the AAFP considers racism to be a public health crisis. We support research and education programs directed at the prevention of violence and hate crimes.
“Family physicians are trained to screen for and assist all patients, regardless of race, who may be experiencing violence in their homes or communities. We urge patients talk with their doctors about such threats, so that we may connect them with resources and help keep them safe.
“The AAFP will continue advocating for the health and safety of our most vulnerable patients in hopes that no one will live in fear of being attacked because of their color or race.”
Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. Stewart, contact Megan Moriarty, 800-274-2237, Ext. 6052, or mmoriarty@aafp.org.
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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 128,300 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.