Asian-American Physicians Group Condemns Rise in Anti-Asian Hate Crime in New York City

NEW YORK, March 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coalition of Asian-American Independent Practice Association (CAIPA), which represents more than 1,000 physician and applied healthcare professionals in the five boroughs, today called for federal, state and local law enforcement organizations to crack down on the rising tide of hate crimes against Asian-American New Yorkers and bias incidents.

CAIPA also called on President Trump to stop using the term "Chinese virus," which the group said only encourages actions of hate and discrimination.

"We call on government on all levels to act swiftly to protect Asian-American citizens and residents, whose well-being and civil rights are being violated during this crisis," said George C. K. Liu, MD, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of CAIPA. "We call on President Trump to stop using racist invectives that mischaracterize the pandemic and threaten our community. We ask the president to order the Justice Department to immediately investigate these incidents as violations of federal civil rights laws.

"There is no evidence of higher incidents of COVID-19 infections among the hundreds of thousands of Asian-Americans in New York City," Dr. Liu said. "We are patriotic Americans who love this country and enrich it economically and culturally. Any political or nationalistic name-calling will further endanger New York citizens and residents and disproportionately harm the Asian-American business community. What we need at this time of crisis is not for political leaders to fan hatred, but to work together against the common enemy: the COVID-19 pandemic."

The New York City Mayor's Office called on Asian-American New Yorkers to report any hate crimes or acts of bias aimed at them.

Call 911 if you are the victim of a hate crime or witness what you believe to be a hate crime. NYPD officers will not ask about the immigration status of anyone seeking help and language assistance is available. Call 311 and say "human rights" to report harassment or discrimination in housing, at work, or in public places based on your race, national origin, age, immigration status, disability, or other protected classes under the NYC Human Rights Law.

About CAIPA
CAIPA (Coalition of Asian-American IPA) is one of the most successful independent practice associations in Greater New York with over 1,000 physicians and allied health professionals, covering over 70 specialties. Our provider network currently provides medical services and care to about a half million patient population in the Asian community. At CAIPA, our mission has always been to unite the top health professionals to deliver culturally sensitive and quality care, utilizing the most cost-effective approaches.

SOURCE CAIPA