Dear PA Colleagues:

Like so many across the United States, NCCPA is dismayed by the recent acts of violence and the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. We know there are others.  These acts of violence are reminders of the racism and hatred that plagues our society. NCCPA strongly condemns these sentiments and vile acts.

Unspeakable acts of violence, misuse of power and thinly veiled attempts at justice have detrimental effects on the families and loved ones of the victims, and impose mental anguish and despair on each of us as we try to make sense of these senseless acts. At no time should Americans have to live with constant suspicion and unrelenting fear of violence. This is especially unsettling while battling a pandemic; one which has magnified the health disparities that minority communities and the disenfranchised have endured for decades.

We stand with those who are peacefully protesting to encourage change, as so many have done before at pivotal moments in our nation’s history. We call on our nation’s leaders to listen. Action is needed to address the factors that perpetuate these acts.

We call on our PA community to have the necessary conversations with each other, their families and those within their social networks to provide support, promote understanding and to help facilitate healing.

NCCPA remains committed to being the change we wish to see in this world. We will work closely with the sister PA organizations and others to continue to facilitate dialogue with PAs throughout the country to determine how we may best work together to help ensure a healthier, more just society.

With heartfelt sincerity,

NCCPA