For official use only. Not for public release.
Dear Fellow officers,
My heart has been heavy over the last several days, reflecting on the tragic and senseless death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our country is grieving and in pain, and I wanted to take a moment to do a pulse check with you, my fellow officers and colleagues. This devastation is shared by many and manifested in broader communities across a variety of faiths, colors, and ages who are peacefully protesting injustice.
There is no easy prescription to heal our Nation or to take away the pain people are feeling. It’s a pain I too am experiencing – as a father, brother, son, physician, and as Surgeon General – all enormous responsibilities made even more challenging because I’m black. Raising two black boys, I often worry about how the world might see them. Will people see them for their loveable and goofy personalities or as a “threat” because of the color of their skin?
George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor should all be alive today. While I cannot undo the harm and loss of life that has resulted from individual and institutional racism in our country, I can acknowledge the pain, frustration and fear that is leading many to express rage and protest. If people are not able to heal, pain inevitably finds an outlet. That’s why we must create, acknowledge and address the impact of racism on health – it affects everything from infant and maternal mortality, to substance misuse, to our risk of experiencing violence.
We will not be able to fix or remove all of the obstacles and stressors that are affecting people’s health and well-being – especially ones like racism – overnight. Change happens over time and there needs to be meaningful progress. While working towards that goal, we must also ensure that people have space and support to voice their concerns and truly feel heard, to decompress, and when necessary, to grieve.
These are basic tenets of fostering mental health and wellness. ADM Giroir and I are committed to continuing our fight for health equity – including addressing the social determinants of health and the impact of individual and structural racism. Part of being healthy is feeling safe, and everyone in our country should have this most basic right. I will also continue to partner with all who share a commitment to health – including the majority of protesters and the police officers across the U.S. who put their lives on the line to protect us each and every day.
Now is the time to reflect, listen, and come together. As America’s Health Responders, I know you will do the same and I am so grateful for your leadership during this time. Please know that ADM Giroir, Commissioned Corps leadership and I all care deeply about your mental and emotional well-being year-round. That’s especially true today. If you need support or someone to talk to, I encourage you to contact your Employee Assistance Program. It’s important to understand that you are not alone. In fact, you have the entire USPHS alongside you. Please do not hesitate to lean on us and each other.
These have not been easy months for America, but I know we will persevere – our children and our children’s children depend on it.
Standing with you,
VADM Jerome M. Adams
U.S. Surgeon General
For official use only. Not for public release.