The South Carolina Primary Care Association has released the following statement in support of our Asian American Communities.

We are four months into 2021, and yet we continue to face a regression in social justice for all mankind. Racial biases have become an increasing epidemic in our nation. While the Black Lives Matter Movement still remains at the forefront of our struggle, we must now fight for our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities against racial intolerance.

The South Carolina Primary Health Care Association Board and staff wish to express our sadness and sympathy for the families and friends of those who have been attacked and/or lost their lives because of ignorance, racism and hatred. The recent string of shootings in the Atlanta area, which left at least six Asian women dead and the continued string of violent incidents throughout the United States, is disappointing and appalling. While the details of these killings are still forthcoming, we do know that throughout the course of the pandemic, there has been a marked increase in racism and violence toward the Asian community. These aggressions and events have impacted our families and friends across the nation, leaving many with increased fear in their everyday lives. Today, we denounce the violence, harassment, and discrimination against Asian Americans that has been on the rise in our country. As we expressed in our statement on the killing of George Floyd, racism and discrimination of any kind is an injustice that can spread like wildfire if not immediately eradicated.

While some of our leaders have voiced their outrage with the attacks on the Asian communities, we are calling on all leaders in South Carolina to publicly condemn the injustices that are being committed in America.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

South Carolina – Where do you stand? Will you stand against the social injustices we are experiencing as a Country?

Community health centers in South Carolina will continue the heritage and commitment of the CHC Movement to fight for social justice and health equity for all people. We are taking ownership collectively and individually to make change.

“If you want change, you have to make it. If we want progress, we have to drive it.” – Susan Rice

#StopAsianHate

From the South Carolina Primary Health Care Association Board of Directors and Staff