AADCAP Statement Addressing Racism
As representatives and leaders of the American Association of Directors of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AADCAP), we express grief, anger, and sorrow over the deaths of George Floyd, Breona Taylor, and Ahmaund Arbery at the hands of law enforcement. Racism has been a persistent and malignant undercurrent in American society, and violence against minorities is part of this picture, particularly for African-Americans.
Our responsibilities as medical professionals include recognizing the tragic consequences of racism and working tirelessly to correct them. We realize inequities exist in the access to and the quality of healthcare, something that was particularly evident in the spread and consequences of the recent COVID epidemic. We must raise awareness about this issue, take action to ensure that the care we provide is sensitive to race and culture, and work to eliminate discriminatory practices in hospitals, clinics, and communities. We must also ensure the provision of non-discriminatory medical and psychiatric services by encouraging diversity among our clinical staff. In the process, we will better understand the patient’s experience, allow the patient and family to better identify with their caregiver, and encourage greater confidence in the treatment process. Among our responsibilities is the training of child and adolescent psychiatrists and future medical health professionals. We hope to instill the same sense of accountability for these principles in the patient care they provide now and in the future.
The events of the past few days tell us that there should no longer be different standards that exploit and victimize minorities in this country, whether through law enforcement and the justice system or by medical providers in the healthcare system. The American Association of Directors of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry promises to oppose all forms of racism and be accountable for programs and policies that promote diversity, inclusiveness, and respect for racial and ethnic differences.
D. Richard Martini, MD
AADCAP President
Tami Benton, MD
AADCAP President-Elect
Victor Fornari, MD
AADCAP Past President
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