IPS Condemns Racism and Police Brutality

The Indiana Psychiatric Society stands with the Black community in the fight against racial injustice and police brutality. As psychiatrists, we understand and recognize the adverse mental health outcomes that result from structural racism, against not just Black individuals but also indigenous peoples, all people of color (BIPOC), as well as other minority groups. We join our colleagues across the nation in strongly condemning the unjust deaths of so many Black Americans. These atrocities traumatize not only individuals but our nation as a whole. We join the APA in calling for prosecution of officers involved in the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and the many others who have been victims of unjust acts of racial discrimination, to the fullest extent of the law. 

We join the Iowa Psychiatric Society in a commitment to 

CONDEMN all forms of racism, bigotry, and prejudice;

RECOGNIZE the trauma of racism and its harmful effects on the mental and emotional well-being of our patients and our members;

STAND TOGETHER with all who work to oppose discrimination in institutions meant to heal and protect all people;

TAKE ACTION to change the ways that our practice and our profession contribute to systemic racism, such as racial discrepancies in psychiatric and medical diagnosis and treatment;   

AMPLIFY the voices and concerns of BIPOC and other marginalized Hoosiers who deserve equitable treatment in healthcare and in society;

EMBRACE opportunities to learn and grow from individual change and open dialogue including through continuing medical education.

It is clear that action must be taken to prevent these outcomes. We advise that mayors and police departments throughout the state of Indiana join Mayor Hogsett and the IMPD in implementing policies to limit police use of force. We advise continued dialogue in pursuit of solutions to this persistent injustice that has plagued our country. Furthermore, we will work with local leaders to advocate for meaningful reforms promoting racial justice and compassionate treatment for all. 

We encourage Hoosiers who are suffering from the trauma of these unjust deaths to seek psychiatric care. We are ready to help.