In a year uniquely marked by death, despair, and hardship, the senseless and public murder of George Floyd continues to reverberate and catalyze change across Minnesota and throughout the country. As MMA leaders, we recognize this week’s one-year anniversary of his death. We also want to take this moment to hold ourselves accountable by sharing a few highlights of the MMA’s work over the past year to advance health equity, a core organizational priority. 

One week ago, on Feb. 9, unimaginable violence struck the Allina Health Clinic in Buffalo. Five people were shot and a medical assistant, Lindsay Overbay, was killed. Early media reports indicate that the perpetrator was a disgruntled patient with a history of interactions with the clinic and local police. The MMA extends its sincere sympathy to all the victims of this tragedy – the individuals, their families, Allina employees, and the entire community of Buffalo.

Make no mistake, we are living in dark times. As winter draws ever closer and early snowfall has us getting our winter gear out of the closet, many of us are dismayed to find some simple pleasures receding from our grasp –outdoor patio dining, comfortable walks outside with friends, and even less daylight. The daily COVID-19 infection counts are skyrocketing in our state and around the nation. COVID units are filling up again, and staffing levels in our hospitals and clinics are impacted by illness and quarantines due to community and family exposures. Our financial security – and that of our communities – feels at risk. 

It has been a sobering and difficult couple of weeks in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd. His killing, captured in a graphic and horrifying video, was followed by peaceful protests and destructive riots both of which rightfully shook our state’s, and our country’s, arrogant claims of exceptionalism. Early claims by state and local leadership that the destruction and looting were the primary result of “outsiders” provided an easy excuse to avoid looking at ourselves. But let’s be honest – bigotry, oppression, and racism exist in Minnesota. And, no, it is not just a “city” or “urban” problem – these behaviors can be found in every community in our state and across the country. Will this time be different? Will, as his 6-year daughter Gianna said, George Floyd change the world?

Dear fellow Minnesota physicians,

We have embarked on what will likely be one of most defining points of our medical careers. The weeks, and perhaps months, ahead are impossible to predict. Every day, and sometimes by the hour, new and sometimes conflicting information is disseminated. We are buffeted by massive changes in our workflows and changes in how to care for patients, even those with relatively routine issues. In the midst of this, we also know our own health and that of our co-workers is at risk and our ability to continue to provide care for our patients is not assured. We see the fear and anxiety in our patients’ faces, and we see it in ourselves.