To say these are difficult times for the HAP Community, the Rochester area, our nation and the world as a whole, is an understatement.  I am sorry for the pain, the emptiness, the loneliness, the panic, the astonishment, the confusion, the anger, the injustice, the sadness that these events have brought about.   From the merciless killing of George Floyd and those who have suffered the same inhumane fate before him, to the Coronavirus that threatens our lives, our livelihoods and the ones we love, to the divisiveness that this has all caused; it seems overwhelming and insurmountable.  While I can only wish I could fix all the inequalities, I can assure you that working together as a community for the community, we will do everything within our power to right the wrongs of the past, even in the smallest ways, to the best of our abilities.   Stay positive, stay strong and together we will make a difference.  Thank you for your support.

One of the many benefits of being part of the University of Rochester Medical Center is that we have the support, leadership, and critical mass that will unify our voices and help assure that positive change is made.  I share with you the following message from Steve Goldstein, our President and CEO, which puts our feelings into words and sets a course for action. 

— Lloyd Theiss, Executive Director

To:      The Highlands at Pittsford Community

From: Steve Goldstein, President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:  June 5, 2020

Re:      Our Statement of Solidarity and Commitment to Action against Racial Injustice

Throughout our community and across our nation, we have weathered intensive challenges over the last few months. Over the last eight days and nights, we’ve seen two very difficult crises converge, causing deep pain, fear, and frustration among ourselves, our families, friends, and colleagues.

We were appalled by the violent deaths of Tony McDade, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Racism is a longstanding and destructive issue in our society. These recent events, alongside many that are disturbingly similar over the last years and indeed throughout our history, reinforce the fact that we must reverse the systemic inequalities that are woven into the fabric of our country. And as a health care system, we know that care disparities by race are prevalent and rooted in structural racism. 

We stand with those who protest these inequalities and acknowledge the importance of hearing the voices of the oppressed and their supporters. We denounce the actions of other groups that seek to further their own agenda through violence, which distracts from the crucial message that Black Lives Matter.

Neutrality and silence are no longer enough. We must ensure the safety and equality of all our employees, providers, and our community members, especially people of color. We understand that it is our job to listen, and recognize that we are in a position to effect change.

We are committed to collectively working to eliminate racial injustice, here in our community and throughout our greater community. We encourage everyone to join together, eliminating divisions, and with the heart and compassion that defines our culture. In the coming days and weeks we will be exploring ways in which we can enhance our dialog with each other on this, and as always, please feel free to reach out to us or to your manager with your thoughts and questions. We must continue to support each other, as we are all on a journey to address and overcome this pervasive challenge.