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Dear CARESTAR Community,
Last month, I had the honor of keynoting the annual statewide EMS Administrators’ Association of California (EMSAAC) conference. The organizers gave me 30 minutes at the top of the day to discuss our work at the CARESTAR Foundation, and how we approach racial equity in EMS. It was both a privilege and a thrill to see them place such high value on these critical issues.
The focus of equity extended far beyond my presentation. Throughout the day, speaker after speaker centered the needs of underrepresented populations. I left feeling genuinely hopeful that here in California, despite the polarized national discourse, we’re continuing to make meaningful progress in the long journey towards closing disparities in care and outcomes.
But since then, my faith has faltered.
A few weeks ago, I watched the Alameda County Board of Supervisors reject what would have been the most significant ambulance contract for racial equity the state has ever seen. I watched as the National Guard was deployed to silence protestors advocating for immigrant communities.
These events have left me questioning everything. Are we making real progress, or are we simply fooling ourselves? Is there still room for optimism, or have we reached the point where despair is the only honest response?
With gratitude,
Tanir Ami
CEO, CARESTAR Foundation
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