Hate–rooted in racism, nationalism, and other extremism–has festered in our country since its founding and continues unchecked today, leaving death and destruction in its wake. After a particularly violent, hate-filled weekend, we’re mourning the loss of life and connecting with our families, friends, and neighbors to grieve and heal. Some of our staff, board, and members have loved ones in El Paso and Dayton. Many of our staff, board, and members have been affected by gun violence in the past. All of us are committed to ending hate.
The connection between white nationalist violence and the Trump administration’s racist, anti-immigrant words and actions is clear and appalling. Combined with easy access to deadly weapons, this hatred threatens the safety of all our communities. The United States has a domestic terrorism problem, and we must channel our resources and collective rage into ending it.
We call on Colorado’s elected officials, nationally, statewide, and locally, to take immediate action to protect immigrant communities and communities of color. We call on Colorado’s hospitals, clinics, and providers to enhance safety and security for your patients, and to leverage the ample resources of the health care system for this cause. And, we call on public health, community-based organizations, health researchers, advocates, and all others committed to health equity to be agents of change. When we work alongside community leaders from all sectors to uphold our shared values of justice, peace, security, and good health, we will prevail.
This work requires accountability. We ask you to hold your legislators accountable for their silence on issues of hate and their votes that unjustly harm immigrants. We ask you to hold us accountable, too–to ensure we always speak out against violence, show up for justice, and use our power to drive positive change. Coloradans whose lives have been directly affected by gun violence are leading the way and we are prepared to follow and support in whatever way we can.
It will take all of us together to end gun violence, racism, and white nationalism. Center for Health Progress works in solidarity with the individuals and communities who are most impacted, and seeks justice for them and us all.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please reach out.
- Emotional, Legal, and Financial Support – Everytown for Gun Safety
- Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting – American Psychological Association
- Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting – American Psychological Association
Leave a Reply