FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Statement attributable to:
Ada D. Stewart, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians strongly condemns violence of any kind, especially racial violence and hate crimes. We stand in support of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, many of whom are our members, our patients, our friends and our family.
“The events yesterday in Georgia are evidence of growing xenophobia and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. These hate crimes are a real and present threat to the safety of these communities, and we acknowledge that such violence poses specific and distinct health risks for our patients.
“As we have previously stated, the AAFP considers racism to be a public health crisis. We support research and education programs directed at the prevention of violence and hate crimes.
“Family physicians are trained to screen for and assist all patients, regardless of race, who may be experiencing violence in their homes or communities. We urge patients talk with their doctors about such threats, so that we may connect them with resources and help keep them safe.
“The AAFP will continue advocating for the health and safety of our most vulnerable patients in hopes that no one will live in fear of being attacked because of their color or race.”
Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. Stewart, contact Megan Moriarty, 800-274-2237, Ext. 6052, or mmoriarty@aafp.org.
###
About American Academy of Family Physicians
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 130,000 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the largest medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits — that’s 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. To learn more about the specialty of family medicine and the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, visit www.aafp.org. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.