E-mail sent to NJSOPHE members on June 3, 2020:

It has been 9 days since the senseless death of George Floyd. Since that time, we have experienced and witnessed increasing grief, frustration, and anger across the country. Our thoughts are with Mr. Floyd’s family, wishing them strength and solace through this unimaginably difficult period. Closer to home, NJSOPHE has no tolerance for racism or violence. We stand as an organization that embraces diversity and inclusion, and we consistently strive to practice integrity and fairness in our programs and outreach.

I write today to affirm NJSOPHE’s commitment to health equity, condemning racism while advocating for social justice. Racism is an ongoing public health crisis that attacks people’s physical and mental health while also affecting social determinants of health including housing, education, public policy, and employment.

Many of us feel helpless in times like these, not knowing how to help while wanting to make a difference. I invite you to join our June 10^th Mid-Year Meeting Session #1 titled “Advocacy: How You Can Be an Advocate, When It's More Important Than Ever”. With the current events that have stressed our nation politically, emotionally, and socially, there is a strong need to advocate for change. Attending this conference can provide tools and resources, but also the opportunity to shape NJSOPHE's advocacy efforts around racial inequalities. Visit https://njsophe.org/upcoming-events to register for this free session.

NJSOPHE will continue to work with our members to learn, advocate, and advance policy changes to achieve health equity in New Jersey. Know that we stand together in our empathy for all directly – and broadly – affected by these recent events.

Thank you,

Samantha Bunsa, MPH, CHES
NJSOPHE President