NewYork-Presbyterian Unites to Stop Asian Hate

On April 1, staff across NewYork-Presbyterian observed a moment of silence to remember the victims of anti-Asian hate crimes and to take a stand against racism, hate, and violence.

“We are united and resolute in condemning hate directed against Asian colleagues, their families, and our fellow New Yorkers,” Dr. Steven J. Corwin, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian, said in a message to all employees. “Our voices must be louder and our actions stronger than the racism, ignorance, and hate we see.”

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the country has seen a significant rise in violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Nearly 3,800 hate incidents against the AAPI community have been reported, according to the organization Stop AAPI Hate. The wave of anti-Asian sentiment has included verbal harassment, shunning, and physical assault on Asian Americans. On March 16, a gunman murdered eight individuals in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Six of the victims were women of Asian descent.

“As healthcare professionals, our job is to be here for the entire community,” said Juan Mejia, senior vice president and chief operating officer of NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital. “That hasn’t changed this year, nor will it ever. It’s important we all come together as one people and one community in support of our Asian colleagues.”

Ting Fan, a patient services coordinator at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, struck a note of hope. “This pandemic may have brought more violence, but it also has allowed more opportunities for our voices to be heard,” she said. “Now is the time.”