As physicians, we are motivated by the principles of benevolence, nonmaleficence, and equity. We are deeply shaken by the deaths of George Floyd in the custody of police in Minneapolis, emergency medical technician Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia. We recognize that there are others who have lost their lives without media recognition.

Committed to public health, ACMT is aware that bigotry and racism represent threats to the health of our colleagues, families, friends, and patients. As experts in toxicology, we know that systemic racism contributes to disparities in access to healthcare, lead poisoning, addiction treatment, and pain control. The life expectancy of Black Americans is 3.5 years shorter than for white Americans. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that these disparities have a profound impact on all underserved populations, greatly increasing morbidity and mortality. 

ACMT recognizes the need to study and identify solutions to the racial disparities in poisoning and the care of poisoned patients. We also recognize the need to do more to ensure that the members of our specialty look more like the people who we serve.

This is a challenging time for our members and our communities. The American College of Medical Toxicology stands in solidarity with those who protest for justice. We are committed to building a society free from the injustice of racism.