OHCA Statement on Anti-Asian Racism and Discrimination

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, crimes targeting Asian Americans have drastically increased. Stop AAPI Hate, a non-profit reporting forum, reported nearly 3,800 anti-Asian racist incidents over the course of a year. Most recently, a shooting spree in Georgia this week killed eight people; six of the victims were women of Asian descent.

“Our caregivers, staff, and residents bring diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives to the communities in which they work and live. OHCA stands firmly with the Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander community in denouncing the recent rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, as well as all forms of racism and discrimination. We are committed to speaking up and creating a safer and more inclusive society for our sector and all communities.”

COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement have led senior living associations and providers to make statements acknowledging longstanding racial inequities and the need for change. To that end, leading organizations are taking steps to educate themselves and determine how best to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion. OHCA is committed to doing the work. Please read our statement on the Black Lives Matter movement from June 2020:

“Every day in Oregon, we bear witness to the beauty of care provided to Oregon seniors by people who frequently have very different backgrounds and lived experiences. Caregivers and their residents form powerful and meaningful bonds. That’s why we know our nation must do better. We stand firmly with those in the Black community whose lives have been lost, threatened, or devalued because of the color of their skin, and encourage peaceful demonstrations and changes that move us toward a more inclusive, safer, and healthy society.”