Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., left us with many powerful teachings and quotes, including this one, which I reflect on often:

“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman.”

Dr. King spoke these words in 1966 at a convention for the Medical Committee on Human Rights. In the 55 years since, we’ve made some progress as a nation. But the reality is we still have a long way to go before everyone has an equal chance to live the healthiest life possible.

At Providence, our investment of $50 million to address racial disparities in health care is one step in that direction. Our strategic imperative to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment for our caregivers is another.

Thank you to everyone at Providence who has been involved in these efforts. Your energy and passion are the kind of “good trouble” we need in the world right now, especially as it relates to the immediate crisis facing communities of color disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

The past year has been incredibly challenging. But what gives me immense hope are the sacred encounters that occur each day between the people of Providence and those we serve.

The healing ministry of Jesus is a quiet but powerful force. By living our Mission courageously at Providence, we can do our part, as Dr. King said, “to take the love ethic of Jesus Christ beyond mere social interaction to become a broad scale social force for good.”