Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Joins 38 U.S. Health Systems to Declare: It is Undeniable, Racism is a Public Health Crisis

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is a member of the Healthcare Anchor Network, a national collaboration of leading healthcare systems, which published the "Racism is a Public Health Crisis" statement. Our health institutions employ over half-million employees across 45 states and Washington, DC and are committed to taking concrete action to address the impact of structural racism in our communities.

Moved by the unconscionable, unjust deaths of George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many others, our health systems stand together with all those who have lifted their voices with a call to action.

"We, along with these prestigious hospitals, are committed to combating racism, inequality and discrimination," said Gilbert Davis, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "No one individual or institution can do this alone, and we are committed to listening to our neighbors of color and implementing initiatives that will help to eradicate all forms of discrimination. CHOP is committed to being intentional and we will partner with others in the community to address the social injustice and systemic racism that contribute to disparity of care across our region."

"Racism is a public health crisis. In Black and Indigenous communities and communities of color, we see higher rates of illness and death as a result of systemic racism. We need to harness our collective strength to invest in our communities and to more intentionally hire and buy from local BIPOC communities so that all people can be healthy and thrive," said Healthcare Anchor Network Director David Zuckerman. "We all must better understand and act to change the impacts of systemic racism on social and economic conditions and health outcomes," added Zuckerman.

Investment in Black and Indigenous communities and communities of color is critical to overcoming health disparities. At CHOP, we are committed to implementing policy changes that promote equity and opportunity; improving primary and specialty care; helping our communities overcome chronic diseases; advocating for investments in improvements to health access, quality, and outcomes; promoting and retaining leaders of color; providing anti-racism and implicit bias training for all staff and administrators; and advocating for funding for programming for social needs, social services, and social justice.

From the statement: "Our society only truly thrives when everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live a healthy life. We are committed to moving forward together. By harnessing the collective strengths of our organizations, we will help serve our communities as agents of change."

About CHOP
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 564-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu

Contact: Joey McCool Ryan
(267) 426-6070
[email protected]

SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia