Oak Park, IL – PCC Community Wellness Center is deeply grieved by the killings of eight people, including six Asian American women, on March 16. This incident has highlighted the recent increase in violence towards Asian Americans. While we recognize that hatred and racism are systemic in American society, we are outraged by every act of violence, every abuse, every injustice.
We stand in solidarity with Asian Americans, both in the communities that we serve and throughout our nation. We mourn with the families and friends of the eight people who were killed last week: Daoyou Feng, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Hyun Jung Grant, Paul Andre Michels, Sun Cha Kim, Soon Chung Park, Xiaojie Tan, and Yong Ae Yue. Their deaths are a painful reminder that systemic racism continues to have a devastating impact on Asian Americans, and all people of color, in this country.
As a community health center, PCC is committed to providing high-quality, affordable health care services to people of all ethnicities, especially those in underserved areas. We recognize that racism impacts health care, so we will continue to advance health equity. Our desire is that all individuals will have the means to attain the best health possible.
Achieving optimal health has been challenging for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has been compounded by racism. When the health and safety of even one person is threatened, it affects the well-being of us all. As we work to end the pandemic, we will work to Stop Hate against Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and all people of color. We are inspired by our compassionate concern for the wellbeing of all communities of color, and all those who may feel invisible. We recognize how deeply interconnected we are, so we strive to ensure whole, healthy communities within our service area.
###
About PCC Community Wellness Center
PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center with the mission of improving health outcomes for the medically underserved community through the provision of quality, affordable, and accessible primary health care and support services. Anchored with family medicine, PCC is committed to serving the needs of all people in all stages of life.