Dr. Medlock's Removal Comes at a Time when the US is Grappling with Issues of Systemic Racism and Inequity
On Monday, April 17, 2023, Morgan Medlock, MD, MDiv, MPH, a Black-identifying community leader in Denver and Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Commissioner, was removed from her position without cause. This unjust removal not only poses a threat to the lives of millions of people in Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive behavioral health care, but it also sends a disturbing message about the vulnerability of strong, qualified Women of Color in political systems and cabinet leadership positions.
Dr. Medlock's removal comes at a time when the United States is grappling with issues of systemic racism and inequity, particularly in relation to healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the disparities in access to healthcare and resources for communities of color, and this unjust removal of a Black woman leader from a critical healthcare position only adds fuel to the fire.
The removal of Medlock also raises questions about the role of government in perpetuating harm against Black women leaders. Black women have historically been undervalued and underrepresented in leadership positions, and when they do ascend to positions of power, they are often subject to harsh scrutiny and criticism. This unjust removal of a qualified Black woman leader from a critical healthcare position is yet another example of how systems of power can perpetuate harm against those who are historically excluded but members of the global majority.
Furthermore, this unjust removal is not just a loss for Black community in Colorado, but for all people of Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive behavioral health care. Medlock was a staunch advocate for equitable healthcare and behavioral health services, and her removal poses a significant threat to the progress that has been made over the last year.
In conclusion, the unjust removal of Morgan Medlock from her position as BHA Commissioner is a prime example of the systemic racism and harm that Black women leaders continue to face in government and leadership positions. It is time for us to recognize and address these issues head-on, and to demand that qualified leaders like Medlock are not subject to unjust removals based on political whims or systemic biases. The whole-person health of millions of people of Colorado depend on it.
Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock
On Monday, April 17, 2023, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Commissioner, Morgan Medlock, MD, MDiv, MPH, a Black community leader, was unjustly removed from her Colorado cabinet position without cause. Her removal risks the lives of millions of people in Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive behavioral health care. It also perpetuates the message that strong, qualified Women of Color are vulnerable to the whims of political systems and cabinet leadership.
Demand justice for Dr. Medlock by signing the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).