As a group, the Cincinnati Pediatric Society aims to support pediatric healthcare providers in the Greater Cincinnati Area. One of our goals is to improve the knowledge and sense of community among those who provide care to children. Children are our most valuable, yet most vulnerable resource. Advocating for the care and well being of children is one of our highest priorities as pediatricians.

Racism is a public health crisis. It ranks among the most consequential social determinants of health. It has significant impact on the health of children, both in their youth and for the rest of their lives. By identifying and addressing racism, we can significantly impact the trajectory of a child’s future.

By creating an environment that is inclusive and aware of cultural differences, we will have a positive impact. We will make children and families feel supported, loved, and accepted for who they are. This is something to strive for in our homes, our offices, and our community as a whole. We value every member of our community and believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. Supporting the diversity of our communities enriches our experience, broadens our understanding, and strengthens us as clinicians.

As the Cincinnati Pediatric Society, some of the ways we will work to achieve these aims are as follows:

We will support the recruitment and retention of a diverse group of pediatricians and child health care providers in our community. This includes working to improve the diversity of the Cincinnati Pediatric Society as well as Board Members. We recognize that representation matters.

We will continue to support our patients and their families by recognizing and accepting diversity of all kinds, including, but not limited to, disability and special health care needs, ethnicity, gender identity, immigration status, primary language, race, religion, and socioeconomic status.

We will continue to provide opportunities for education and discussion, specifically regarding racism, diversity and inclusion. We will help our members identify and respond to intolerance, bias and discrimination.

We will continue to educate and advocate for cultural humility and culturally effective care for all children of Cincinnati. We will support the effort for individualized, tailored care for each child and family.

We will continue to advocate for equity in healthcare for the diverse populations we serve. We will advocate for systemic change in local and national policies that negatively impact the health of these communities.

We will recognize the accomplishments and contributions of underrepresented healthcare providers, researchers, and other members of the healthcare community, as well as those who have a positive impact on eliminating disparities in child health.

Before forming its own statement, the Board of the Cincinnati Pediatric Society considered the Diversity and Inclusion Statements of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Ohio Chapter of the AAP. These statements can be found at the following websites:
pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/141/4/e20180193
ohioaap.org/chapter-info/about-the-chapter/