June 15, 2016
Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine Response to the Tragedy in Orlando
Chicago, June 14, 2016 – "On behalf of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) I would like to express our most sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who were injured and lost their lives in the Orlando shooting. Our organization consists of adolescent medical and mental health experts who have years of professional experience working with youth affected by discrimination and by gun violence, and our work affords us the opportunity to see first-hand how these factors can negatively impact the ability of young people to achieve optimal health and development during the critical adolescent years. In spite of tragedies, we also have witnessed the incredible capacity for resilience that youth are capable of.
We join with others in the health community and stand ready to continue our work to oppose the hatred and discrimination that breeds violence and to build the resilience of our next generation. SAHM stands against discrimination, intolerance, violence and hate directed at any group regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, religion, gender or gender identity both in the United States as well as around the world, and we condemn the culture of unregulated gun use and violence in our communities.
The members of SAHM stand together and pledge to take action to support those affected by bigotry, violence and discrimination. SAHM is fully committed to continue our work to end senseless acts of hate."
Gregory D. Zimet, PhD, FSAHM
President, Society for Adolescent Health and MedicineThe Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) is a multidisciplinary organization committed to improving the physical and psychosocial health and well-being of all adolescents and young adults through advocacy, clinical care, health promotion, health service delivery, professional development and research. For more information visit www.adolescenthealth.org.