Statement from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America on the Public Health Concerns of People of Color

In response to the recent killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis law enforcement, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) joins our voice with others across the nation in denouncing the effects of systemic racism on our public’s health.

The violent interactions between law enforcement officers and the public, particularly people of color, combined with the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on these same communities, puts in perspective the overall public health consequences of these actions and overall health inequity in the U.S. 

SHEA’s vision is safe healthcare for all. All violence, particularly that perpetrated by law enforcement, elevates the stress that our communities are already facing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. SHEA strongly champions equitable healthcare for everyone in the U.S. and for ongoing research and resources to work to address these inequalities. 

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The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is a professional society representing more than 2,000 physicians and other healthcare professionals around the world who possess expertise and passion for healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. The society’s work improves public health by establishing infection-prevention measures and supporting antibiotic stewardship among healthcare providers, hospitals, and health systems. This is accomplished by leading research studies, translating research into clinical practice, developing evidence-based policies, optimizing antibiotic stewardship, and advancing the field of healthcare epidemiology. SHEA and its members strive to improve patient outcomes and create a safer, healthier future for all. Visit SHEA online at www.shea-online.org, www.facebook.com/SHEApreventingHAIs and https://twitter.com/SHEA_Epi.