As the list of precious lives lost to racial injustice continues to grow, so does our collective pain, frustration and anger.
At WellSpan, we stand in solidarity with our friends and neighbors in strongly denouncing and condemning the pervasive racism, bigotry, inequities and injustice that persist in our country, in our institutions, and in our communities. As a health system, we see every day the impact inequities in our society have on the health and wellbeing of our community members – from lack of access to affordable housing, food, and transportation to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on black and brown people in our region.
As a nation, we must do better. These injustices must not continue.
Unity is our path forward. Only when we come together will we eliminate the discrimination, bias and tragedy stemming from racism. We at WellSpan Health are committed to working together, with our community partners, to address these issues and to make Central Pennsylvania a place where everyone can live healthier and more vibrant lives.
These are troubling times, to be sure. As our community grapples with these difficult but critically important issues, we also continue to endure the stress, anxiety and worry of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Remember that you are not alone. We are here to help. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, call our WellSpan Philhaven behavioral health experts who are available 24/7 by calling toll-free at 1-800-932-0359 or visit WellSpanPhilhaven.org for additional resources and information.
In these difficult moments, it's important that we take care of ourselves – and one another. We must lean into the power of conversation, empathy and humanity. And we must listen, believe and learn – together. WellSpan stands as a trusted partner in this important endeavor – committed to making a difference in our communities.
This work will require each of us and all of us. Let's begin with urgency now.
- Roxanna Gapstur, PhD, RN, President and CEO, WellSpan Health
