UnityPoint Health employees from different departments and backgrounds came together last month to reflect on their commitment to the health and safety of people of color. Employees and providers from UnityPoint Health – Methodist, Pekin and Proctor gathered as part of the White Coats for Black Lives movement, while others participated virtually within their clinics, offices and homes—observing eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence to show support and respect for Black lives.
“We have heard a lot of sounds over the last few weeks, but we take a moment now to become quiet and still, so that we may hear our own thoughts and listen to the beats of our own hearts,” said Kathy Lehmann, diversity and inclusion officer. “We can be the change that we want to see in the world starting today—by making a conscious decision to act differently, by focusing on what is fair and equitable for all.”
Dr. Keith Knepp, regional president and CEO, reminds people that COVID-19 is not the only health emergency faced by our nation. “I’ve been humbled when I’ve learned the opportunities we still have and the problems that still exist in our communities because of ongoing racism and the lingering effects of racial discrimination,” he explains. “We all have an obligation to fix that. We need to be humble about knowing what we don’t know and open our eyes to the difference that we can make.” whitecoats4blacklives.org PM
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