March 22, 2021
Statement from ACAAI president Luz Fonacier, MD on rise in Asian hate crimes in the United States
March 22, 2021
As the first Asian American president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, I take great pride in my heritage and the contributions of Asian Americans to American culture. It’s profoundly disturbing to note the recent rise in racism and violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The College condemns racism in any form, and we pledge support to our patients of Asian descent, as well as to our AAPI member allergists. Hate should not be tolerated in any form, and we will work diligently within our organization and with national and state public health officials to diminish the presence and tolerance of any type of hate or discrimination.
The ACAAI Is committed to working within communities to ensure every American, no matter their race or ethnic heritage, receives the best possible medical treatment to address allergies, asthma and immunologic conditions. As such, the ACAAI Diversity Task Force is working on projects that directly address racial barriers to appropriate health care for those suffering from allergies and asthma.
Our hearts are with the AAPI community and we will fight to make sure their health and well-being are protected.
About ACAAI
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.
