Race and Diversity
Medical Minds Matter strives to uphold the highest values of diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. We have adopted a non-discriminatory policy, ensuring that we do not discriminate based on race, religion, sexuality, gender, creed, profession, veteran status, or disability.
We aim to advocate for minority populations in the medical field to help shed light on the unique challenges that these demographics face and how it impacts their mental health and wellness. Our Board has formed a Health Equity Committee to provide oversight and ensure our advocacy aligns with these progressive values.
As a mental health advocacy organization, Medical Minds Matter recognizes that racism, prejudice, and discrimination can have severe chronic detrimental effects to the physical and mental health and well-being of marginalized populations. We recognize that such discrimination can be implicit or unintentional, and currently exists in various forms throughout society. These factors impact one’s social determinants of health, and can result in different access to healthcare and outcomes in health among discriminated communities.
Health equity is a concept that aims to promote equitable access to healthcare and health outcomes, regardless of race, sexuality, gender, nationality, religion or disability status. It aims to dismantle barriers to care and amplify the voices of those that are marginalized.
March 25, 2021
During this past year, the people of the United States have been faced with a pandemic, mass unemployment, social tensions, hate crimes, mass violence, and racism. Undoubtedly these factors all add up to have a profound negative impact on the mental health and wellness of all, particularly those who are disproportionately affected by these issues such as people of color, minority groups, and other marginalized demographics. We believe that it is our responsibility to utilize our platform to speak against injustice wherever it occurs. Medical Minds Matter is committed to values of diversity and inclusion regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and ability. We take a stand against racism, hate crimes, and violence.
As an organization that aims to empower current and future medical professionals, Medical Minds Matter believes that we must be cognizant of such impacts in order to advocate for ourselves and our patients. Physicians of color, in particular, have a unique history of facing discrimination and racism in the field and by their patients, overcoming many barriers to be able to join the profession – barriers that take a toll on their mental health and emotional well being. It is also important to acknowledge that medical professionals are also disproportionately affected by gun violence – it falls on the shoulders of the physicians, nurses, and PA’s to deal with the real and visceral consequences of mass shootings. Mental health professionals also witness the first-hand emotional effects of the aftermath. This comes at a physical and emotional toll for providers, adding post traumatic stress to the existing issues of burnout and mental strain in the medical field. Medical Minds Matter aims to shed light on these issues through our advocacy.
Since the inception of our organization, Medical Minds Matter recognizes that we are in a unique position to be able to speak out against racism, hate crimes, and gun violence, and the mental toll that it takes on society. Even as a newly formed nonprofit, we have already created multiple avenues of advocacy for these critical issues, such as through our Health Equity Committee, which aims to ensure our organization advocates on behalf of marginalized populations that may not have the platform to speak out for themselves. The healthcare profession prides itself on empathy and compassion even during the darkest moments, and we hope to be a small beacon of light during this dark time.
Sincerely,
Medical Minds Matter Board of Directors
Please view the following resources to get support in the event of a mental health crisis.