Nonprofit Community Clinic Leader “Strongly Condemns” Xenophobia and Recent Attacks Against Asian American Pacific Islander Communities

LOS ANGELES – (March 18, 2021) – Venice Family Clinic CEO Elizabeth Benson Forer issued the following statement today regarding recent acts of violence and racism against the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and the 8 lives lost in Tuesday’s attacks in Georgia:

“The Venice Family Clinic community strongly condemns the pervasive racism and xenophobia against AAPI communities, and we mourn the tragic and senseless loss of 8 lives in the aftermath of Tuesday’s deadly attacks.”

“The disturbing national trend of senseless hatred and violence towards the AAPI communities, felt in devastating fashion through these unspeakable recent attacks, demands a strong response from local and national leaders. We join the growing chorus of allies and voices in denouncing violence and racism against AAPI communities.”

“As a health care leader serving people in need, Venice Family Clinic is committed to championing the ideals of diversity and inclusion in our own community and beyond. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to providing health care equity and access to those who need it most, regardless of background or circumstance. We stand in firm solidarity with AAPI communities and against xenophobia and hatred in all forms.”

About Venice Family Clinic

Venice Family Clinic is a leader in providing comprehensive, high-quality primary health care to people living in poverty. Over the past 50 years, the Clinic has grown from a small storefront operation into one of Los Angeles’ leading community health centers, providing care to 27,000 people annually through 14 sites in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Inglewood, Hawthorne and Culver City. The Clinic leads the way in providing comprehensive and integrated care by creating a one-stop health system that offers multiple services, often at the same locations and same time as primary care appointments. These services include dental care, substance use treatment, mental health services, vision services, child development services, health education, prescription medications, domestic violence counseling, HIV services, street medicine for people experiencing homelessness and health insurance enrollment. For more information, visit VeniceFamilyClinic.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.