Racism is a Public Health Crisis

For Immediate Release 
May 16, 2022 

Racism is a Public Health Crisis

Statement Attributable to:
Joseph R. Sellers, MD, FAAP, FACP
President, Medical Society of the State of New York 

“MSSNY is saddened by yet another mass shooting—this time in my own hometown of Buffalo and within blocks of where my grandchildren attend school. We offer deep condolences to the victims’ families.

“Racism is a public health crisis. MSSNY is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As physicians, we are committed to providing medical care for our patients equally, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. We urge all New Yorkers to stop the hate and to join us in a pledge to care for each other equally. There is simply no place for racism in our communities.

“MSSNY also supports legislation that requires a waiting period and background checks prior to the purchase of all firearms, including the person-to-person transfer, internet sales, and interstate transactions of all firearms.

“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an appropriate opportunity to continue to highlight the mental health needs of individuals in our communities, including limiting access to firearms. MSSNY supports a ‘red flag’ concept in New York State and is committed to educating physicians in the state about the NYSAFE Act as a mechanism to help reduce the risk of suicide in patients.”

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Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all. 

Media Contact:
Roseann Raia
Communications / Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext 302
[email protected]