Dear MPHA Members and Supporters,
On behalf of the Minnesota Public Health Association (MPHA), we would like to extend our sincere con- dolences to the family and friends of Mr. George Floyd who lost his life in Minneapolis police custody on May 25, 2020. We know that many of you have seen the video that was shared widely via social and other media formats. Many of us are angry and heartbroken at the death of Mr. Floyd and the subse- quent violence in our communities.
As public health professionals, students, advocates, and health providers we are acutely aware of the significant and longstanding disparities in health outcomes among African Americans, American Indians and other Populations of Color (POC) in Minnesota and elsewhere. These disparities are a symbol of deep systemic inequities that exist to prevent some communities from thriving and achieving optimal health. The landmark report from the Minnesota Department of Health “Advancing Health Equity in Minnesota” identified the social determinants of health (e.g. poverty, income, and housing) as well as systemic issues such as structural racism, discrimination, and conscious and unconscious racism that are deeply engrained in all of our systems and serve to benefit some populations while having an adverse impact on others. We see these inequities clearly through disparities in health outcomes, most recently through the higher rates of illness and death due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We grieve with all Minnesotans for the disturbing and unnecessary death of Mr. Floyd. At this time, we also implore our MPHA membership and all Minnesotans to join with us to create more just and equitable systems and institutions, unravel systemic inequities such as racism and discrimination, and promote equitable distribution of resources and services that can reach communities that are most vulnerable. Civic action, education, and advocacy have a successful history of bringing about change in our country and contribute to constructive dialogue. We can use these tools to advance health equity for all Minnesotans. The health, safety and security of Minnesota depends on it.
RESOURCES
Minnesota Public Health Association Acknowledgment of Ancestral Lands Statement: https://mpha.net/Ancestral-Lands-Statement
Minnesota Department of Health
Discrimination Helpline
If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of discrimination or bias call Minnesota's Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or submit this online form at https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultation- inquiryform/. The helpline is staffed by investigators from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
Translation/interpretation services are available. This information is available in other languages at https://mn.gov/mdhr/covid-19/languagesinfo.jsp
American Public Health Association
Webinars
Racism: The Ultimate Underlying Condition. Tuesday June 9, 2020; 1-2:30 CT. Register here: https://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/apha-calendar/webinar-events/2020/racial-equity-part-1
COVID-19 and Health Equity — Exploring Disparities and Long-Term Health Impacts. Watch the Webinar: https://covid19conversations.org/webinars/equity
Web pages
COVID-19 and Equity https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/communicable- disease/coronavirus/equity
Racism and Health https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/health-equity/racism-and-health
Article and Report
Minnesota Department of Health. (2014) Advancing Health Equity in Minnesota: Report to the Legislature. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/equity/reports/ahe_leg_report_020114.pdf
Health Equity: Racism and Its Impact on Public Health; Rivard Report – 2017. https://therivardreport.com/health-equity-racism-and-its-impact-on-public-health/
Anti-racism resources for white people https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/mo- bilebasic
Voices for Racial Justice: https://voicesforracialjustice.org/ Voter
Voter Information for Requesting an Absentee Ballot: https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/ABRegistration/ABRegistrationStep1.aspx