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Release: NYS Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP) condemns Georgia killings of 8, including 6 Asian women. It is 'another jarring example of entrenched racism.'
NYSNYS News
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

March 21, 2021
Contact: Vito Grasso, Executive Vice President at 518-469-5237/ vito@nysafp.org

Statement by NYSAFP President Dr. Jason Matuszak on Violence Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout the Country

“The New York State Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP) condemns racial violence, hate crimes and rising discrimination in all forms most recently manifested by the death of eight people, six of them women of Asian descent, in Atlanta, Georgia.

“The heinous acts of violence seen not only in Georgia but throughout the country is the result of a longstanding failure to take discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders seriously. The tragedy this week must not be dismissed as an isolated incident but rather another jarring example of entrenched racism long found in our communities against AAPI Americans and other people of color.

“The NYSAFP embraces the right of all people to enjoy life free from intimidation, violence, or discrimination for any reason. This latest incidence of violence against a distinct racial group includes, as well, the element of easy access to guns. The shooter allegedly purchased the gun used only hours before committing the murders. We also support reasonable restrictions on access to guns and consider this tragedy to be further evidence that such restrictions are long overdue.

“By the very virtue of our chosen profession, family physicians are dedicated to improving the lives and health of those we serve and we stand ready to partner with our communities and government officials to take the necessary steps to address rising discrimination against the AAPI community and more generally to address health disparities to ensure equitable access to needed social and healthcare services across our state.”

NYSAFP represents over 7,000 physicians, residents and students in family medicine across the State. NYSAFP Family Physicians are board-certified and specialize in family medicine. Family physicians focus on the whole patient providing care throughout their lifetime. They provide comprehensive healthcare services to treat diseases and injuries in all age groups from newborns to the geriatric population and across all medical fields. Family Physicians focus on prevention, wellness and overall care coordination for patients and family medicine is the only specialty to focus on the care of the entire family unit. Family Physicians are also a main source of primary health care in New York and across the country.

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