Dear Friend of Maryland Coalition of Families,
MCF stands in solidarity with the Black Community in this time of grieving, anger and pain. We denounce racism in all its forms, in particular the threat and killings of African-American/Black people. We are outraged by the systemic racism and bias that we have seen and that continues, including the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks and the confrontation with Christian Cooper in Central Park.
MCF exists to help families who care for someone with behavioral health needs. We recognize the value and critical importance of behavioral health to the overall well-being of the family. We also acknowledge the damage and impact of systemic racism on health. We see, first hand, the impact of racial trauma--how generations of systemic racism has contributed to the Black Community’s psychological, emotional and social distress. Every day, we see the obstacles Black families face in accessing the quality treatment and recovery services they need and deserve.
Like many of you, our staff have recently been engaged in very open, raw and often painful conversations. Through tears, anger, and with caring and humility, we are listening to each other, striving to understand different perspectives, and acknowledging each other’s life experiences.
We are committed to taking action. At MCF we realize that we have much work ahead of us. We have made a commitment to dedicate ourselves as an organization to address racism, understand the impact of racial trauma and to promote healing. Consistent with MCF’s vision of a stigma-free society that promotes wellness, our belief in the dignity of every individual and our respect for the unique experience of families will strengthen our work community and the work we do. This action includes developing a strategic equity action plan. It will include continued learning - on our own and together.
We are in early stages of developing MCF’s Equity Action Plan. We have enlisted the expertise of a professional to assist us with our equity work. Our strategic initiatives include:
- Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Community Conversations (in progress)
- A series of Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Conversations
- White colleagues taking responsibility for their own education, with the support of MCF
We join those who see this as a long overdue moment to make an ongoing commitment to address racism, the impact of racial trauma and promote healing for everyone.
If you are also interested in learning about racism, diversity and bridging differences, we’re offering a collection of excellent resources for individuals, parents and educators here.
MCF is committed to doing better, to being better. We look forward to being on this journey with you.
Sincerely,
Maryland Coalition of Families
Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) helps families who care for someone with behavioral health needs. Using personal experience as parents, caregivers and other loved ones, our staff provide one-to-one peer support and navigation services to parents and caregivers of young people with mental health issues and to any loved one who cares for someone with a substance use or gambling issue.
For more information go to www.mdcoalition.org.
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