NIGH supports black lives matter

Nurses call the world to universal healing & respect for human rights…

in this time of pain

People react during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Trafalgar Square, London, May 31, 2020.

Credit: John Sibley/Reuters

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“To love, to help one another, to act together,
to strive together, to work to the same end!”
Florence Nightingale, 1876

Protesters wear Black Lives Matter face masks in Minneapolis on Tuesday after the death of George Floyd.

Credit: Laurie Shaull

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A mother and child at a peaceful protest in the US in response to the brutal death of George Floyd while in police custody.

Credit: Cake.co

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Protests have erupted across the US and Internationally, condemning police brutality and systemic racism that is rampant throughout the country.

Credit: USAToday.com

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Demonstrators gather near the White House on Sunday, May 31, 2020.

Credit: CNN.com

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A standout organized by Dorchester People For Peace drew around 100 participants.

Credit: David Stokle, Dotnews.com

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The Nightingale Initiative for Global Health (NIGH), the International Nurse Coach Association (INCA), and the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy (INCA) offer deep condolences and profound concern to all those persons, families and communities who are suffering during these painful times.
 
We mourn the death of Mr. George Floyd and stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. We stand with those calling for action against the policies and structures that promote these senseless acts of violence and to dismantle the systemic racism that persists today. 
 
We are saddened to hear of nurses assisting at medical tents, treating injured protestors and being fired at by military police in Minneapolis. We watch in dismay as journalists are targeted, one being partially blinded and another arrested while on-air. We are heartbroken as videos of a child being maced in Seattle appear. Why are such people deemed so ‘dangerous’? How are these actions permitted?
 
Violence, discrimination, and racism have a direct impact on determinants of health, exacerbate health inequities, and can lead to long-term trauma. NIGH stands by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — to (#3) ensure the good health and well-being of all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and socio-economic status — to (#10) reduce the inequalities that are affecting communities and people of colour — to (#16) promote peace, justice and formation of strong institutions that treat all humans equally and are not biased based on the colour of ones’ skin, race, ethnicity — and to (#17) to ensure partnerships for the goals in a peaceful and cooperative manner. 
 
Nurses are healers and guardians. They heal through science, evidence, commitment and compassion. They guard the fragility of human life with their own. Nurses of the world bring healing by hand and heart, wherever and however they serve.
 
We must work to eliminate systemic and institutional racism, personal racism, and unconscious bias AND we must also work to increase the diversity within our own profession. We must not succumb to the institutional structures and processes that can block openness and prevent change. 
 
We must fight against the systemic disease that is racism.
 
Below is a link that lists various resources and ways that you can help: 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Xa9Av-NfuFsWBHlsMvPiqJHdNedZgnCRW56qAS-7PGQ/mobilebasic
 
#BlackLivesMattter
 
and a related Position Paper from the American Nurses Association:
 
​With deep respect to hold for the best possible outcomes for all involved!

Nightingale Initiative for Global Health • NIGH
Deva-Marie Beck, PhD, RN
Barbara Dossey, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, HWNC-BC
         International Co-Directors
Wayne Kines
         Director of Communications
Roxanne Koogholi
         Global Strategic Communications Officer

International Nurse Coach Association • INCA
Integrative Nurse Coach Academy • INCA
 Barbara Dossey, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, HWNC-BC 
         Director, International Communications
Susan Luck, MA, BS, RN, HNC, HWNC-BC
         Director, Community Engagement and Development
Karen Avino, EdD, RN, AHN-BC, HWNC-BC
         Director, Education 
Ronald Kanka, BA
         Director, Business Operations