Research shows that health outcomes for black patients are better when they are treated by black doctors. That research is critical given that African Americans in the United States generally experience poorer health outcomes across a variety of diseases and conditions.
On October 12, 2018 Atatiana Jefferson, a 28-year-old black woman, was killed by a Fort Worth Police officer during a routine welfare check. The National Medical Association extends its deepest condolences to the Fort Worth community and the family and friends of Ms. Jefferson. The killing of Ms. Jefferson is another reminder of the lingering effects of institutional racism in many communities throughout these United States.
31 people in America are dead and more seriously injured as a result of gun violence within a time window of under 24 hours. Our hearts are saddened and are with the families and love ones of these victims. These events also occurred after recent detailed discussions of the impact of gun violence in America at the National Medical Association’s (NMA’s) Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly in Hawaii last week.
“The National Medical Association is the collective voice of African American physicians and the leading force for parity and justice in medicine.”
