It is hard to find words for the grief, the fear, and the anger that our Black brothers and sisters are feeling at this moment. The outrage and despair so many are experiencing right now are natural responses to the perpetual and unaccountable killing of innocent Black men and women at the hands of the police.
All of us have a role to play in addressing this deadly strain of racism and inaction — in our communities and in the nation as a whole. Whether it’s police killings or the disproportionate deaths from COVID-19, no one should tolerate a system that diminishes the value of Black lives. We must stand united for the health, safety, and just treatment of all.
Sandra R. Hernández, MD, is president and CEO of the California Health Care Foundation. Prior to joining CHCF, Sandra was CEO of The San Francisco Foundation, which she led for 16 years. She previously served as director of public health for the City and County of San Francisco. She also cochaired San Francisco’s Universal Healthcare Council, which designed Healthy San Francisco. It was the first time a local government in the US attempted to provide health care for all of its constituents. Read More