ASHP Statement on Violence Against the Asian Community

The recent shooting deaths of six women of Asian descent in Atlanta, as well as other attacks against members of the Asian American community across the United States, bring renewed urgency to concerns about racially motivated violence in our country. These horrendous acts of unnecessary violence are unacceptable and erode the fabric of a nation whose origins, foundation, and principles were built by immigrants from around the world. These acts of racially directed violence threaten our democracy, and are matters of public health.

ASHP condemns these acts of violence against the Asian American community, and all acts of racially directed and other forms of violence. ASHP also expresses our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the victims of these crimes and all others who have been harmed or killed through senseless acts of racially motivated violence.

ASHP’s policy, Role of the Pharmacy Workforce in Violence Prevention, recognizes that violence is a public health crisis and calls for the profession to get involved in and help lead violence prevention initiatives in the workplace and the community.

ASHP is an inclusive organization that welcomes and embraces pharmacy professionals of any and all races, genders, religions, and sexual orientations. ASHP will continue to work to address the societal and public health impact of violence while fostering diversity, equity and inclusion for all.

About ASHP
ASHP represents pharmacists who serve as patient care providers in acute and ambulatory settings. The organization’s nearly 58,000 members include pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians. For 79 years, ASHP has been at the forefront of efforts to improve medication use and enhance patient safety. For more information about the wide array of ASHP activities and the many ways in which pharmacists advance healthcare, visit ASHP’s website, ashp.org, or its consumer website, SafeMedication.com.