The AHA 'will remain an engaged partner in both caring for and keeping our communities safe' in the face of this and 'any other public health challenge,' says the group's leader.
The American Hospital Association joined the chorus of groups expressing grief Monday, as the death toll from two separate mass shootings that gripped the U.S. over the weekend rose to 31.
Twenty-two people died as a result of a shooting Saturday in El Paso, Texas, and nine were killed early Sunday in Dayton, Ohio. The violence prompted President Donald Trump to condemn white supremacist ideas—which authorities say appear to have motivated at least one of the shooters—in a speech Monday morning.
AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack similarly condemned bigotry, and he affirmed the role hospitals and health systems play in their respective communities.
"Our nation is once again mourning innocent lives lost to the tragedy of mass violence. We grieve with the families of the victims and express our condolences to the communities of El Paso and Dayton," Pollack said in a statement.
"Hate and violence have no place in our society. And respect for diversity must be a core value for our nation and viewed as a strength for our society," Pollack said. "While we are devastated by this weekend's events, we can be encouraged by the number of our fellow citizens who came together to help one another in El Paso and Dayton.
"The role of hospitals and health systems in times of tragedy is clear: respond, care and be a force for good," he said. "We thank all the law enforcement community, and other first responders, caregivers, physicians and nurses for their efforts to save and protect lives. In the middle of chaos and during tragic times, they stand as beacons of hope and an inspiration to all—always ready to respond, care and help their communities heal.
"Like our nation, hospitals and health systems are increasingly looking for new ways to address the wave of violence that we are seeing," he added. "As with any other public health challenge, we will remain an engaged partner in both caring for and keeping our communities safe."
“While we are devastated by this weekend's events, we can be encouraged by the number of our fellow citizens who came together to help one another in El Paso and Dayton.”
Rick Pollack
Steven Porter is an associate content manager and Strategy editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.