AMGA Condemns Racism and Commits to Fighting This Public Health Crisis

Statement attributable to:
 Jerry Penso, M.D., M.B.A.
President and CEO
 AMGA

Alexandria, VA – AMGA condemns racism, bigotry, discrimination, and violence of any kind, and we are deeply concerned about discriminatory practices that are resulting in unwarranted deaths and marginalization of the Black community. 

As a healthcare organization, we consider racism a public health crisis. Systemic racism is a disease that has infected the American body for over 400 years and persists in causing illness and death. We can no longer just treat the symptoms when they arise. We must address the underlying issues.

As data from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have shown, communities of color have been disproportionately affected, both in infection rates and in economic impact. Disparities in access to healthcare services, medical treatment, and treatment outcomes related to race have been widely documented. In addition, discriminatory acts, targeted violence, and economic practices have created an environment with overwhelming health and safety hazards for people of color and other socially marginalized groups. 

AMGA’s vision is a transformed healthcare system that results in better health for everyone. To achieve this, we must address racial, cultural, and social inequities that are continuously impacting medical care. AMGA and our members – 440 medical groups and integrated health systems across the country – have been working to address social determinants of health through AMGA Foundation’s Vision 2025, with a goal of 100 million healthier Americans by 2025. That vision includes a plan for our members to provide better access to quality, affordable care regardless of race, income, background, and ZIP code. 

As individuals, as healthcare providers, and as a nation, we need to do more to address racial and social inequity. AMGA members play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of their communities. They see firsthand the impact of social determinants, disparities, and environmental factors on the health of the patients they serve. AMGA stands with our members and their patients to actively address inequalities so the color of a person’s skin or their socioeconomic status does not determine health outcomes or impede opportunities for a healthy and thriving life. 

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About AMGA
 AMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of health care in America. Representing multispecialty medical groups and integrated systems of care, we advocate, educate, innovate, and empower our members to deliver the next level of high performance health. AMGA is the national voice promoting awareness of our members’ recognized excellence in the delivery of coordinated, high-quality, high-value care. More than 175,000 physicians practice in our member organizations, delivering care to one in three Americans.