1/ There is no easy prescription to heal our Nation, or to take away the pain people are feeling. It’s a pain I too am experiencing- as a father, brother, son, physician, and as Surgeon General- all enormous responsibilities made even more challenging, because I’m black.

2/ I think about my teenage boys who are almost taller than me now...and I worry about how the world might see them. Will people see the goofy boys who bear-hug their mom, cuddle with their fluff ball dog, and tease their sister- or will they see a “threat” and be afraid of them?

3/ I can’t undo the harm and loss of life that has resulted from individual and institutional racism in our country. What I can do is acknowledge the pain, frustration, and fear that is leading many to express rage and to protest.

4/ If people aren’t able to heal, pain inevitably finds an outlet. That’s why we must acknowledge & address the impact of racism on health- it affects everything from infant & maternal mortality to substance use to our risk of experiencing violence.

5/ We won’t fix or remove all the obstacles and stressors that are affecting people’s health and wellbeing - especially ones like racism- over night. That doesn’t mean we mustn't try at all. Change happens over time and there needs to be meaningful progress.

6/ And while working towards meaningful long term change, we must also ensure that people have the space and support to voice their concerns (and truly feel heard), to decompress, and when necessary to grieve. These are basic tenets of fostering mental health and wellness.

7/ I can’t speak for anyone but myself. But I will keep fighting for health equity- including addressing the impact of individual and structural racism. Part of being healthy is feeling safe, and everyone in our country should have this most basic right.

8/ I will also continue to partner with all who share a commitment to health- including the majority of protesters AND the police officers across the U.S. who put their lives on the line to protect us each day. We can both address bad actors, and acknowledge/ lift up good ones.

9/9 These have not been easy months for America, but I know we will persevere- our children, and children’s children depend on it.

Please try to be safe, and be mindful of the health, safety, and wellbeing of those around you.

We really are all in this together.