Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice & Anti-Racism

The Maine AAP will use the following statement, promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to guide our work:

To embrace equity for all children and families as well as for the pediatricians who care for them is central to the mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics (“Academy” or “AAP”). The AAP is committed to achieving meaningful diversity and inclusion and to combat bias and discrimination in all its forms, including structural and systemic racism. The AAP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or national origin.

To accomplish our goals and expand the knowledge and engagement of our members, the Maine AAP has an ongoing learning program featuring suggested readings and resources. Please view our current content HERE.


National AAP:

The vision of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is that all children have optimal health and well-being and are valued by society and that AAP members practice the highest quality health care and experience professional satisfaction and personal well-being. From the founding of the AAP, pursuing this vision has included treasuring the uniqueness of each child and fostering a profession, health care system, and communities that celebrate all aspects of the diversity of each child and family.

The AAP appreciates that children are increasingly diverse, with differences that may include race, ethnicity, language spoken at home, religion, disability and special health care need, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other attributes.

The AAP, as an organization of pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists, recognizes that our membership is composed of a broad and diverse community. The AAP is strengthened by our diversity. The variety of skills, characteristics, and attributes offered by our members creates the vitality and success of the Academy and improves the care of all children and youth. Maximizing the diversity of our members and leaders allows the AAP to benefit from the rich talents and different perspectives of these individuals.

The AAP, as a national nonprofit organization, fervently respects, values, and promotes diversity and inclusiveness among all the individuals, groups, and vendors with whom we interact, collaborate, and partner.

The AAP is committed to being a learning organization that recruits, supports, and promotes talented, diverse individuals as employees and to fostering a work environment that embraces and celebrates diversity, promotes inclusiveness, and treats all employees with dignity and respect.

Celebrating the diversity of children and families and promoting nurturing, inclusive environments means actively opposing intolerance, bigotry, bias, and discrimination. The AAP is committed to using policy, advocacy, and education to encourage inclusivity and cultural effectiveness for all.

https://www.aappublications.org/news/2020/06/01/racism060120

Racial Health Inequities During COVID-19 webinar: From AAP - COVID-19 webinar for pediatricians, A Framework to Approach Racial Health Inequities during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Talking with children about racial bias: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Talking-to-Children-About-Racial-Bias.aspx

Three strategies that parents can use to help their children deal with racial bias:

  1. Talk to your children and acknowledge that racial differences and bias exist.
  2. Confront your own bias and model how you want your children to respond to others who may be different than them.
  3. Encourage your children to challenge racial stereotypes and racial bias by being kind and compassionate when interacting with people of all racial, ethnic, and cultural groups.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA...

Racism and its impact on child and adolescent health: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/144/2/e20191765

Maine Based Resources:

  • Department of Health and Human Services, Maine
    Information on Elders: Long term care, prescription drugs, legal issues, abuse, education, meals & nutrition
    /dhhs/elderly.shtml

Sexual Orientation & Other Sexual Minorities: National and International

  • National Coalition of LGBT Health
    The National Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health is committed to improving the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and communities through public education, coalition building and advocacy that focus on research, policy, education and training. http://www.healthlgbt.org
  • Info on LGBTQ and Parenting
    Provides info for gay parenting: https://lgbtqpn.ca/ Provides information and datasets about the lives of lesbians, gays and bisexuals: http://www.lgbtdata.com/
  • Gay & Lesbian Medical Association
    GLMA's mission is to ensure equality in health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and health care providers.
    http://www.glma.org