Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SHCS

Support Health Equity, Inclusion and Institutional Change

At Student Health and Counseling Services we affirm the UC Davis Principles of Community: We affirm the dignity inherent in all of us, and we strive to maintain a climate of equity and justice demonstrated by respect for one another. 

Anti-Asian violence in Atlanta, attacks on Asian and Asian American elders locally, in the Bay Area, and nationally may have increased during the pandemic, but anti-AAPI hatred is not a new phenomenon.  SHCS condemns anti-Asian racism, xenophobia and violence.

In response to the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Stephon Clark and many others, we want to acknowledge our deep sadness and outrage about these deaths and the overall impact of systemic and institutional racism on our community.  These traumatic events, along with countless others, represent a long history of anti-Black violence in our nation. SHCS stands in solidarity with our African Diaspora students and colleagues at UC Davis and in our larger community.

SHCS is committed to affirming and providing support for all our students who have been directly or vicariously impacted by experiences of racism, discrimination, prejudice, bigotry, aggression and violence and to challenge ourselves to advocate for equity, inclusion, and fairness.

The overwhelming stress of oppression recent events can lead to mental and physical health concerns. We encourage you to contact us if you (or someone you know) would like support with processing and coping with recent and/or past experiences of trauma or any other health concerns.  It may be helpful to check on those you care about, take the time to care for yourself, and reach out if you need support.

What SHCS Is Doing

  • Health Equity
  • -The SHCS Health Equity Committee provides input and recommendations to the Executive Committee to promote health equity for students, including trauma- informed, resilience-focused care and best practices for patient/client care and student outreach.
            -Contact the Health Equity Committee at comments@shcs.ucdavis.edu
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • -The SHCS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee provides input and recommendations to the Executive Committee on the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of the departmental policies, procedures, and organizational best practices.
            -Contact the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at comments@shcs.ucdavis.edu
  • Healthcare Equality Index Leader
  • -For two years, SHCS has achieved ‘Leader’ status in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).  HEI is the national LGBTQ benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees.

 

How to Protest Safely

These harm-reduction tips were adapted and compiled from lists created by NAACP at UT AustinStudents for Sensible Drug Policy, NYC Healthy, Raina Wellman and Lauren Sarkissian. Thank you to these folks for doing the work!

  • Before Protesting
  • - Consider who is in your household and their health. Do not risk exposing them to SARS-CoV-2, especially if they are at higher risk for COVID-19 complications.
    - There are other ways to do antiracist activism besides protesting in the streets. This may look like educating yourself and the people around you, donating to social justice organizations, and/or signing petitions.
    - Use the buddy system by asking a friend to go with you
    - Let someone you trust know where you are going
    - Learn your rights when it comes to getting stopped by police
    - Items to bring:
              - Water (consider bringing bottles with sports caps to help flush eyes if there is exposure to tear gas)
              - Sunglasses
              - Mask
              - Hand Sanitizer
              - Tissues
              - First Aid kit
              - Snacks
              - Hat to protect from the sun and help cover your face
    - Do not bring cannabis or cannabis products
    - Dress in long sleeves (or bring an outer layer) and wear pants to protect your skin from chemical agents such as tear gas or pepper spray
    - Wear comfortable, protective shoes
    - Do not wear contact lenses, eye makeup or jewelry
    - Fully charge your phone, and consider bringing an extra battery pack and charger
    - Write two emergency contacts with telephone numbers directly onto your hand or arm with permanent marker in case you are arrested
    - Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Nourish your body with the food you have available to you, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Reach out to your support system and practice self-care.
  • While Protesting
  • - Stay focussed and aware of your surroundings at all times
    - Consider wearing a mask and avoid touching your face
    - If possible, remember to social distance
    - Do not yell (to avoid transmitting respiratory droplets); use noisemakers and signs instead
    - Stay hydrated by frequently drinking water
    - Cover your cough and sneeze into your elbow
    - Document injuries caused by police with photos and note the time and location
    - Turn off Face ID and Touch ID, switch to Airplane Mode, and disable data
    - Enable a passcode on your phone
    - To protect their identities, do not share any images of protesters on social media

    If your eyes are exposed to pepper spray or tear gas:
              - Do not rub your eyes; blinking and rinsing are most effective
              - Tilt head sideways and rinse each eye with water (and diluted baby shampoo if available)
              - Do not flush with milk, because the goal is to flush, not neutralize
  • After Protesting
  • - Continue to take care of yourself, mentally, physically, and emotionally
    - Consider getting tested for COVID-19. If you have symptoms, call SHCS at (530) 752-2349
    - Do not share any photos of protesters on social media