Racism is a Public Health Crisis: DNPs of Color Advocating for Change

ALEXANDRIA, VA – June 5, 2020 – The impact of COVID19 and the continued violence against Black people have exposed worldwide the traumatic truths of how racism staggeringly affects our communities. The senseless killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others, has evoked a national and global outcry affirming that Black Lives Matter.

We are hurting, we are angry, we are sad, but we are hopeful that through our stories and collective strengths as members of Black and Brown communities, along with our allies, we can address the injustices and dismantle the systems of racism that exacerbate health disparities and inequities.

As recent events remind us and history itself continuously reinforces, we need Black and Brown leaders to represent and help advocate for change in our communities. DNPs of Color asserts that health care and health equity is a civil right, and as such, our vision and purpose is resolute in addressing racism through a health equity lens. We believe this can be accomplished by increasing diversity in health care through support of those nurses attaining terminal degrees and those actively practicing as doctorally-prepared nurses, and we are ready to serve in that leadership role. Why? Because Black and Brown doctorally-prepared nurse leaders save lives and can speak authentically and culturally to the issues affecting the health of communities affected by lack of adequate health care and research.

Additionally, our continued commitment to the fight against injustice and racism include:

❖ Creating opportunities to transform healthcare in the arenas of academia, research and clinical practice

❖ Serving as mentors and guiding nurses of color to pursue doctor of nursing practice studies

❖ A commitment to serve in leadership roles on national, regional and local boards to advocate for health care for those living in Black and Brown communities

Alongside our healthcare colleagues, we declare that racism is a public health crisis. Nurses are the most trusted professionals in America, and as such, we have an obligation to be an integral part of the change to address health equity and address the impact of racism on our communities.

###

DNPs of Color (DOCs), is a 501c3 nonprofit nursing organization, whose mission is to increase diversity in doctoral studies, clinical practice, and leadership for nurses. DNP, short for Doctor of Nursing Practice, is the highest level of education a nurse can attain which focuses on clinical practice. DNPs influence healthcare outcomes through healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and translating nursing research into evidenced-based practice.

If you’re interested in joining the DOCs community as an advanced practice clinician, academic, researcher or supporter, please visit our website www.docdnps.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @docdnps