To our community
The Caring for the Caregiver Program is deeply committed to values of compassion, respect, and social justice. We condemn the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade among the countless other Black victims of violent acts of racism.
We believe all persons should be treated with dignity and respect, provided with equitable opportunity for success, and able to live free from violence on the basis of race. Our dedication to CARING compels us to partner with those in our community who seek to abolish structures that violate these basic expectations. We applaud the courageous actions we have witnessed this week from individuals and communities who have stood up and let it be known that racism and deadly injustice against African Americans will not go unchallenged.
As a member of the Dementia Friendly America initiative, we strive to create a community where all people can live, age, and thrive without the fear of stigma and discrimination. We cannot hope to enjoy a society that is truly dementia friendly until our community does not discriminate on the basis of race. We at Caring for the Caregiver Program will commit, always, the resources we have available to create such a community.
Our hearts go out to those families, including the family of George Floyd, who are experiencing devastating loss, and all who, like us, are deeply saddened by the hatred we have witnessed.
With respect,
Carole L. White, PhD, RN, FAAN
Director, Caring for the Caregiver
Professor and Nancy Smith Hurd Chair in Geriatric Nursing and Aging Studies
School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio