Statement on Recently Reported Incidents of Racism at Hennepin Healthcare
Today it was reported that there are multiple photos of two Hennepin Healthcare employees, including the current EMS Deputy Chief and a paramedic, in blackface. One of these photos may have been taken at an event hosted or sanctioned by Hennepin EMS. Regardless of when the photos were taken, the conduct of these employees is abhorrent. Dressing in blackface and treating race, ethnicity, or culture as a costume is degrading, extremely racist, and cannot be tolerated. The employees in the photos should be fired, and supervisors who were aware of this misconduct should be disciplined and removed from leadership positions.
On February 12th it was reported that a Hennepin Healthcare doctor continued to train law enforcement on Excited Delirium after explicit instructions to end training on the topic. This is unacceptable and a direct violation of an organizational directive. Excited Delirium is a controversial diagnosis that is not recognized by the American Medical Association. It is clear that this diagnosis is rooted in systemic racism and and has been used to justify the assault and murder of victims of police violence, particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color. The doctor who conducted this training should be fired for his actions, and supervisors who were aware of his misconduct should be disciplined and removed from leadership positions.
Hennepin County has declared racism as a public health crisis, and it is against Hennepin’s mission to engage in or encourage racist behavior. We cannot tolerate conduct, especially from employees in leadership, that is in direct violation of those ideas and goals. Hennepin Healthcare management received information on this misconduct weeks ago — it is appalling that no one has faced consequences to date.
I have served on the Hennepin Healthcare Board since 2020. In this time, the Board passed Health Equity as an organizational value and directed management to actively address systemic racism. The Board has approved millions of dollars to improve outcomes and build trust within the community.
The incidents that have been reported recently, in combination with slow action from management, represent a harmful pattern that damages community trust. These incidents are not isolated — they each fit into a long series of racist incidents and practices by Hennepin Healthcare employees and leadership. It is clear that racism is deeply rooted within the organization and must be addressed directly through systemic changes in both the policy and leadership of Hennepin Healthcare.
I sincerely apologize to the community for the repeated failures of the organization I represent. And to those who have come forward with information: I thank you for your bravery and apologize for the compounded pain you are experiencing. I will continue to advocate diligently on your behalf to ensure that Hennepin is a safe and supportive place to live, work, and receive care — especially for those who have been marginalized and overlooked by our systems for too long.
If you have further questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to Constituent Services & Policy Aide Bill Emory at bill.emory@hennepin.us