APA Statement on the Anniversary of George Floyd’s Killing

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 25, 2021 – One year ago today, George Floyd died at the hands of the police. His murder forced overdue conversations about the structural racism in the very roots of our nation. It also caused many to examine what was once considered business as usual.

The American Psychiatric Association and psychiatry were forced to confront our own past, and to examine how racism had entwined itself into our current operations, and how racism was impacting our patients on a daily basis. We began important conversations and took actions to reform our organization and to help our member psychiatrists better serve Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) patients.

Today we mourn the loss of Mr. Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the many others who have died as a result of structural racism. We recommit as an organization and a field to staying vigilant to injustices that impact our patients and taking action to achieve mental health equity for all.

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 37,400 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information please visit www.psychiatry.org.