PRESS RELEASE
AAPCHO Urges National Unity, Denounces Use of Discriminatory Language During COVID-19 Pandemic
March 17, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Download PDF
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2020 – Today, the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) reiterated its call for leaders and the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and xenophobia amid the global public health effort to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). AAPCHO released the following statement in response to the increase of anti-Asian sentiment and violence across the country in recent weeks, and denounced President Trump’s and other key officials’ continued use of harmful rhetoric like “Chinese virus” when referring to COVID-19. AAPCHO urges national unity as we address COVID-19 and work to prioritize public health and safety.
“Any use of discriminatory language that perpetuates stigma is unacceptable, especially while we are in the midst of a public health crisis. Viruses do not discriminate, and neither should we,” said Jeffrey Caballero, executive director of AAPCHO. “Using ‘Chinese virus’ or ‘Wuhan virus’ to refer to COVID-19 is irresponsible. It is essential that both health care professionals feel safe to give care and all communities feel safe to seek the care they may need. The President and all our leaders must do better in setting an example for all Americans.”
Last week, AAPCHO joined the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans and more than 260 organizations in urging congressional leaders to publicly denounce the increase in anti-Asian racist attacks and discrimination against the Asian American community, in the wake of rising concerns over COVID-19. AAPCHO encourages the President to do the same.
For more information including in-language resources on COVID-19, visit coronavirus.aapcho.org.
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