Lifelong is outraged by the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black lives that have been cut short by police brutality and white supremacy. The appalling headlines of Black people being murdered has become a societal norm that must be upended.
We want to honor the rage and grief felt by our community. It is in our organization’s lifeblood to fight against discrimination and hate so that everyone can have an equal opportunity for their best health, their best possible life.
Yet we know that systemic racism continues to lead to poor health outcomes in the Black community. Long standing disparities have been magnified during this pandemic as Black, Indigenous, and people of color are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 due to inequitable access to testing and treatment. To put it simply: racism is a public health crisis.
Our work has always centered around health equity. This point in history has become a catalyst for us to reexamine and refocus our strategy around improving health outcomes for the most disenfranchised among us.
Lifelong will be listening and learning from the minority led agencies whose mission has been to eradicate systemic racism and finding ways to mobilize their continued efforts.
As we all grapple with our grief and anger, we are also witnessing an uprising across the country demanding a collective fight for justice. We are honored to partner with a strong network of nonprofits who understand there is strength in numbers and a unified voice. Everyone has a role in creating change.
Thirty-five years of standing up for our vulnerable neighbors has taught us that engrained discrimination and stigma cannot be abolished overnight. When we stand in solidarity, change is inevitable.