ANTI-RACISM STATEMENT

Greetings OPHA members and public health partners:

The Oklahoma Public Health Association recognizes racism as a public health issue. As public health professionals, we ask you to join us in acknowledging Oklahoma’s legacy of violence and injustice in the black community and its contributions to the (ever-present or chronic) social, economic and community obstacles. These obstacles and conditions negatively impact their ability to achieve the highest level of health and include:

    • Poverty
    • Systemic racism
    • Discrimination
    • Limited access to quality health care
    • Education
    • Lack of representation during decision-making processes
    • Violence
    • Health hazards
    • Unique cultural and linguistic factors
    • And many more

OPHA is committed to amplifying the voices of our black community and investing in their role as trusted advisors to ensure our alignment and dedication of resources is authentic, collaborative and community-centered. We promise to lean deeper into current and future partnerships to reverse the impact of injustices through advocacy and utilizing OPHA’s resources to eliminate barriers to advancement.

As stated by former American Public Health Association president, Dr. Camara Jones, “Racism is a complex system and we must dedicate time and resources to unraveling how racism operates here (structure, practices, policies and values).”

Please join us in our fight against racism as well as aggression themes and tendencies rooted in systemic oppression at every level, micro or macro. We have much work to do, and the time is now! 

 

Best,

OPHA Executive Board of Directors

July 22, 2020

Oklahoma Public Health Association
121 NE 52nd Street, Ste. 260
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-605-2099
opha@opha.net