WASHINGTON, D.C. – I have found myself experiencing a mixture of emotions over the past few weeks: despair, anger, sadness, and reprehensible disgust is chief among them. I know I am not alone as my colleagues here at the Howard University Pharmacy Alumni Association have expressed a similar set of emotions.

Today, in the midst of the personal infliction of racial violence against Mr. George Floyd, Ms. Breonna Taylor, Mr. Tony McDade, Mr. Ahmaud Arbery, and many others, we the Howard University College of Pharmacy Alumni Association stand in solidarity with those who have been affected, and with those who have lost loved ones in tragic incidents like this. We denounce the oppression of marginalized people and racism in all its forms. We stand for the tireless pursuit of justice for all, the fight for radical change and systematic dismantling of the policies and structures that allow these despicable acts. We stand as an organization committed to upholding human rights for all people, and we affirm the values of racial equity, inclusion, and non-violence.

We stand in support of the National Pharmaceutical Association and the 14 other national pharmacy organizations to work together in opposition to racial injustice and systemic inequality.

Read the joint statement here.

Additionally, on the heels of the economic uncertainty and the existential threat that Covid19 has unleashed on our communities we wish to draw attention to the stark healthcare disparities exacerbated by the disease. We strive to be a beacon of hope rendering solutions for those we serve in these uncertain times. We applaud the efforts of state and federal government officials like that in the District of Columbia and its Department of Health for enacting emergency regulations for CVOID testing by pharmacists.

As the HU Pharmacy Alumni Association, we stand in support of the tireless leadership of our employer groups who work daily to ensure that the frontline workers have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and are available to serve their communities. We urge all our members and colleagues to follow the CDC guidelines for PPE and social distancing. Click here for up-to-date CDC guidelines on COVID-19.

We salute those whose voices are raised against injustice.

We stand with those who stand against inequality.

We stand in unity to rebuild our communities and our profession in a post-pandemic world.

Sincerely,

President, HU Pharmacy Alumni Association