In Support of the Patients Before Profit Pledge for Elected Officials

WHEREAS, Healthcare is a human right, and systemic inequities and barriers have long existed preventing equal access to healthcare, we believe that the rise in for-profit healthcare entities will further these inequities; and 

WHEREAS, For-profit healthcare companies are responsible to their shareholders rather than the communities they serve; and 

WHEREAS, This responsibility to generate profit means that services that are not highly profitable will be reduced or discontinued; and 

WHEREAS, Patients who are deemed as not profitable may be turned away increasing negative outcomes for these patients; and 

WHEREAS, These patients are more likely to be Black, Brown, or poor this will further erode the quality of healthcare in those communities; and 

WHEREAS, For-profit institutions focus more on treatment than prevention. Unnecessary treatments may be prioritized over patient needs; and 

WHEREAS, Lobbyists for for-profit healthcare companies, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies unduly influence legislation on healthcare; and 

WHEREAS, The Patients Before Profits pledge seeks to reduce the influence of private hospitals, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies on our healthcare system. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People urge all units to encourage its elected officials and those running for office to sign the Patients Before Profit Pledge.