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PaPS Stands with the APA in Denouncing All Methods of Racism Advocating for Elimination of Racial Inequality HARRISBURG, PA- June 8, 2020- The leadership of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society (PaPS/Society) and our regional chapter societies stood in sheer anger and deep sadness over the tragic and horrifying death of George Floyd on May 26th while placed under police custody. On June 1st, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) released a public statement condemning all forms of racism, strongly calling for an end to all forms of racial inequalities across the nation. PaPS and chapter leadership proudly stand together with the leadership of the APA in vehemently opposing any direct or indirect form of racism and abhor all past and future forms of racial inequality. PaPS strongly advocates for statewide and federal comprehensive policy changes to ensure that senseless tragedies such as what occurred to George Floyd cease to occur. The Society also supports the importance of peaceful, thoughtful, meaningful protest demanding societal change. We denounce the use of riots, looting, destruction and intentional violence that serves as a unnecessary distraction and deterrent to real change, and can negatively impact the mental health of all citizens, especially children and vulnerable populations exposed to social media and other media exposure to these traumatic incidents. Below is a copy of the APA’s June 1 press release, along with the APA’s position statements condemning racism and police brutality. Please do not hesitate to contact PaPS President Rich Silbert at silbertrr@ccbh.com or PaPS Executive Director Deborah Ann Shoemaker at dshoemaker@pamedsoc.org for more information. APA Condemns Racism in All Forms, Calls for End to Racial Inequalities in U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C., June 1, 2020 – The American Psychiatric Association (APA) today issued the following statements in response to demonstrations across the nation in response to police brutality and the institutional racism that is being brought to the forefront. “The unrest playing out in cities across America is a reaction to the racism that has scarred this country for centuries and never been properly addressed,” said APA President Jeffrey Geller, M.D., M.P.H. “The demonstrations are a result of racism against Black people that has gone unchecked—and at times has been fostered by leaders of this country. APA will not stand for racism against Black Americans. “The horrific death of George Floyd has affected the mental well-being of everyone who has witnessed this senseless tragedy. When Americans are already suffering under the emotional toll of COVID-19, this blatant act of police brutality threatens to undermine the sense of stability of so many Americans,” Geller said. The APA calls upon authorities in Minneapolis to prosecute the officer who caused George Floyd’s death, as well as the other officers involved, to the fullest extent allowed by law. Justice in this case will be just one step in the healing process of this country. The APA Board of Trustees has a long history of condemning police brutality, including two policy statements passed in 2018, condemning racism and police brutality. “The civil unrest taking place in America is a call to action to all Americans to address the longstanding racial inequalities facing the Black community,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. “Centuries of systemic and institutional racism toward Black Americans has led to decreased access to health care and multiple adverse health outcomes—as recently seen during the COVID-19 pandemic—in addition to anxiety and lower life-expectancy. We need to fight racial inequalities and discrimination that are life-threating to so many Black Americans. APA stands with the Black Community and all those opposed to racism to protect and improve the lives of the those who have experienced discrimination and the associated trauma.” The APA believes that all forms of racism and racial discrimination affect mental health and well-being and negatively impact the nation. We must fight racism in all its forms, embracing multiculturalism, diversity, and greater inclusion. The APA stresses that anyone who is suffering trauma because of the death of George Floyd, or the civil unrest ongoing in America or health inequalities, to seek psychiatric treatment. Our members are standing by to help.