Pediatrics Group Issues Policy Statement on Racism in Child and Adolescent Health

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD

The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a policy statement on the role of racism in developmental and health outcomes among children and adolescents.

Here are some of the many recommendations for clinicians, published in Pediatrics:

• Establish a "culturally safe medical home" for patients in which "providers acknowledge and are sensitive to the racism that children and families experience." This should include screening patients for perceived and experienced racism.

• Evaluate patients reporting racism for mental health sequelae, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and grief. Make referrals for mental health care as appropriate.

• Educate clinicians and office staff about providing culturally and linguistically appropriate care (see second link below for Health and Human Services guidance).

The AAP's policy statement, linked below, offers numerous resources for clinicians.

Separately in Pediatrics, researchers report evidence that infants of color generally receive worse neonatal intensive care — in particular, neonatal mortality rates are higher at minority-serving hospitals.