All Rehabilitation Nursing News

As Americans prepare to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday this week, we also commemorate the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder at the hands of police last Memorial Day on May 25, 2020. Since Mr. Floyd's death, ARN has been steadfast in its commitment to condemn unjust treatment, acts of racism, and discrimination. It is in this spirit that the ARN Board of Directors and members of the ARN Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force share this statement today regarding the April 2021 Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict. 

In June of last year following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis, ARN 2019-2020 President Barbara Lutz, PhD RN CRRN PHNA-BC FAHA FAAN and Executive Director Gayle Irvin, MPH CAE issued a joint statement on racism and public health. In the statement, Barb and Gayle wrote, "ARN is committed to standing with our nursing, public health, and community partners to address issues of racial inequality, health inequity, and implicit bias. As rehabilitation nurses, we are committed to helping people recover from disabling illness and injury and prevent further disability. We can use that same commitment to address the debilitating and disabling effects of racism on the health and well-being of our citizens and our communities. It is our duty…it is our calling."