This message is from Brian Gragnolati, President and CEO, Atlantic Health System:
I have always believed we all have an essential role to play in caring for our communities. It’s the reason and purpose that led so many of us to devote our lives to health care. I believe that a spirit of community and responsibility for one another is also what sustains our society.
That spirit of unity is being threatened every day by racism and intolerance that present a public health emergency no less destructive than a deadly virus. Like many of you, I am distressed and heartbroken by violence and social injustice in our communities. Each act of hostility and aggression against people who are simply trying to live their lives, enjoy our parks and exercise on our streets contradicts what we as caregivers know to be true, that caring for and about others is what gives our lives meaning.
On June 5, the American Hospital Association will recognize its 4th Annual Hospitals Against Violence Hope Friday to stand united against violence affecting caregivers, patients and communities.
Support HAVHope Day
Use #HAVhope on social media to lend your voice and highlight commitment to combat violence in your communities. Print the sign below and post a photo of yourself along with your message of hope.
I believe this is also a time to renew our stance against all threats to public health, including bigotry and discrimination.
That’s why today, I am committing our organization to new initiatives to strengthen our dedication to diversity and inclusion and promote the healing process for our team members and broad community.
- We will create more opportunities for dialogue within our workforce community. Our first session will be a virtual town hall later this week to discuss the impact of bigotry and intolerance on public health, moderated by our Chief Diversity Officer, Armond Kinsey. As the platform for this virtual discussion and future conversations, we are launching a new Workplace group, Standing Together Equality Forum, to create a safe and supportive place for you to share your voice and life experiences while connecting with fellow Atlantic Health team members.
- We will expand our educational offerings and resources to support crucial conversations in our workplace while enhancing our policies, practices and support systems to reflect our commitment to equality, inclusion and understanding.
- We will strengthen our commitment to building healthier communities by improving access to care and addressing inequities that drive health disparities.
If we can find meaningful ways to work together from behind masks at a distance, I know we can come together to educate ourselves and create new relationships to protect public health and build the future we all envision for our families, friends and neighbors.
Thank you for everything you do to care for our patients and each other.