200603
Resolution Against Racism and Racial Discrimination and Their Adverse Impacts on Mental Health
POSITION STATEMENT
Approved by the Board of Trustees, July 2006
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"Policy documents are approved by the APA Assembly and Board of Trustees… These are …position statements that define APA official policy on specific subjects…" -- APA Operations Manual. |
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The American Psychiatric Association recognizes that racism and racial discrimination adversely affect mental health by diminishing the victim’s self-image, confidence and optimal mental functioning. Racism also renders the perpetrator unprepared for the 21st century society that is becoming increasingly multicultural and global. Racism and racial discrimination are two of the factors leading to mental health care disparities. Further, the APA strongly opposes all forms of racism and racial discrimination that adversely affect mental health. Therefore, the APA believes that attempts should be made to eliminate racism and racial discrimination by fostering a respectful appreciation of multiculturalism and diversity. The APA and its members should be mindful of the existence and impact of racism and racial discrimination in the lives of patients and their families, in clinical encounters, and in the development of mental health services. In addition, the APA supports enhanced member and public education about impacts of racism and racial discrimination, advocacy for equitable mental health services for all patients, and further research into the impacts of racism and racial discrimination as an important public mental health issue.
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This statement was prepared by the Committee of Black Psychiatrists of the Council of Minority Mental Health and Health Disparities. Members of the Committee include: Sandra Walker, MD (Chair); Lisa Green-Paden, MD; Napoleon Higgins, MD; James Lee, MD; Saundra Maass-Robinson, MD; Sherri Simpson, MD; Kalaya Okereke, MD; O.C. White, MD; Marketa Wills, MD; Rahn Bailey, MD (Corresponding Member, National Medical Association). Carl Bell, MD, and William Lawson, MD, contributed to the work of the Committee’s Position Statement Task Force.
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