PRESS RELEASE
AAPCHO Commends Senate Introduction of the COVID-19 Bias and Anti-Racism Training Act
July 15, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON — The Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) commends the Senate introduction of the COVID-19 Bias and Anti-Racism Training Act. The legislation was introduced by Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and would support bias and anti-racism training for individuals involved in COVID-19 testing, treatment, and response.
Adam Carbullido, AAPCHO’s director of policy and advocacy, released the following statement:
“Racism and bias are unacceptable and create barriers for vulnerable communities from seeking and receiving the care they need most. AAPCHO commends Senator Harris for this legislation to provide $200 million so health care providers and community-based organizations can establish or enhance bias and anti-racism training programs within their institutions.
“At a time when our nation continues to struggle to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, patients should feel confident they will receive the highest quality health care they need regardless of their racial or cultural background. AAPCHO members, and community health centers nationwide, have long demonstrated the effectiveness of culturally and linguistically appropriate care to improve health outcomes. We urge the passage of the COVID-19 Bias and Anti-Racism Training Act to help address bias and racism within health care.”
About AAPCHO
AAPCHO is a national association of community health organizations dedicated to promoting advocacy, collaboration and leadership that improves the health status and access of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. For more information on AAPCHO, please visit www.aapcho.org.
Contact
Kristine Cecile Alarcon, MPH, (510) 671-5054, kalarcon@aapcho.org