ACA publishes statement acknowledging need for greater racial equality

In June, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) published a statement acknowledging the need for greater racial equality in the United States, citing the injustice surrounding the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the negative impact that racism has on the health and wellness of communities nationwide.

The statement reads, in part:
“The death of George Floyd is inexcusable. At the same time our country struggles to heal from the primary and secondary effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the events surrounding Mr. Floyd’s death in Minneapolis force us to publicly face the harsh reality that minority groups are still burdened by racism and oppression, which destroys lives and well-being in a way that no virus can match. …

“Sadly, the racism we have witnessed in the news over the past few weeks is a symptom of something much deeper. It is the most visible sign of a problem within the systems that affect our daily lives, such as education, government and, most certainly, health care. ACA is committed to alleviating healthcare disparities by helping our members to understand and meet the needs of the diverse populations they serve.”

The ACA Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion has worked on several initiatives to raise awareness among doctors of chiropractic of the need for increased education and sensitivity toward ethnic and cultural differences in a multicultural society. The Committee drafted a Diversity Statement in December 2018 that acknowledges the importance that cultural competency plays in the chiropractic profession’s ability to deliver quality health care, improve patient outcomes and engage in public health initiatives.

“As healthcare providers, and as citizens, we must acknowledge the dignity and value of every person. Only by doing so can our communities achieve authentic health and wellness,” commented ACA President Robert C. Jones, DC.

To read ACA’s statement on equality in full, click here.

About the American Chiropractic Association

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States. ACA attracts the most principled and accomplished chiropractors, who understand that it takes more to be called an ACA chiropractor. We are leading our profession in the most constructive and far-reaching ways — by working hand in hand with other health care professionals, by lobbying for pro-chiropractic legislation and policies, by supporting meaningful research and by using that research to inform our treatment practices. We also provide professional and educational opportunities for all our members and are committed to being a positive and unifying force for the practice of modern chiropractic. To learn more, visit acatoday.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.