FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
Statement from APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD
"The legacy and words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ring louder today as many communities are still dealing with the detrimental impacts of racism, poverty and broken health systems. Dr. King fiercely advocated for better approaches and policies to address the root causes of injustices in society like poverty, racism and health inequities that impact people in communities across America. In a press conference in Chicago before his speech to the Medical Committee for Human Rights in 1966, he was quoted, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane…” His lifelong advocacy for a prosperous future in our country is a behavior we should all emulate.
As we prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday and National Day of Racial Healing on Tuesday, let’s commit to embody his words and work together throughout the year to improve the health of all people by addressing the inequities that still exist in our society."
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The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.