AMRPA Statement on Racial Injustice in the United States

(WASHINGTON – June 4, 2020) – The tragic events of the past weeks have highlighted the dangers caused by institutional and systemic racism. The coronavirus has underscored that social determinants of health, including racial and social disparities in employment security and access to health care, have a disproportionate impact on people of color. These communities have been struck disproportionately by COVID-19. Conditions such as stroke that are often treated in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and units also disproportionately affect people of color.

In addition, Black Americans continue to die by the hands of others, their deaths sparking protests and violence across the country. Uncertainty, fear and suffering continue to grip us as individuals and as a country. These recent events also are deeply unnerving, particularly for individuals of color and marginalized groups.

AMRPA commits itself to increasing the diversity in our communities and institutions, as well as addressing the systemic inequalities related to access, quality of care, and outcomes in our health care system. We renounce the actions of those who discriminate against and harm people of color. The protests across the country are a call to action.