In further statements from professional oncology organizations about inequities and disparities among racial and ethnic minorities and underserved populations, as well as racism and discrimination, the Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO) issued the following statement:
“The national outpouring of grief and emotion over the past few weeks has been a sobering reminder of the long history of violence against black people. Our hearts break for our communities of color. From microaggressions and overt acts of racism to the huge disparities in health-care outcomes, we can and must do better.
“APSHO raises our collective voice to express our support for justice and equality and our condemnation of racism. All manifestations of discrimination, including systemic racism, weaken and demoralize collective groups. In health care, such inequalities frequently affect our patients’ lives and quality of life and lessen our strength in the fight against cancer, the great equalizer.
“APSHO is dedicated to the support of the advanced practitioner in oncology regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious belief. Now is the time to take a stand against the racism that profoundly impacts the lives of clinicians and our patients. The oncology community is stronger and wiser due to the diversity of our members. We cannot reach our full potential without the underpinnings of equality and respect that every human deserves.”
—Issued by APSHO Board of Directors, June 2020
For more information about the Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology, visit APSHO.org.
