IPHA Statement on Violence Against Asian American Community 3.2021
March 18, 2021: Tom Hughes, Executive Director of the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA), released the following statement on Thursday:
“As a statewide organization responsible for protecting the public’s safety and health, we are implored to speak out against the recent acts of violence and racism towards Asian Americans. Continued threats to people’s lives and wellbeing, simply because of their race or country of origin continue to be a public health crisis, and as public health leaders, we must recognize and decry it. Structural racism and discrimination remain to be an epidemic in the United States, and even with recent attempts in our state to combat it, it’s clear that there is still much work to be done to achieve a society of respect and safety for all.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, data shows that incidents of hate and violence towards Asian Americans drastically increased, mostly aimed against women. Deplorable facts like these are ones that we have grown far too tired of hearing. Since the beginning of this global pandemic and societal unrest, we have been outspoken about the need for officials at every level of government and community leaders to come together and prioritize solutions that would help end discrimination and racism. We stand in solidarity with the Asian American community as they face this unspeakable violence, and we will continue our work to help make Illinois a safe and welcoming place for all.”