Since George Floyd was killed in Minnesota, protests over police brutality and other injustices against people of color have broken out in dozens of cities in the US and internationally. His unanswered pleas for help when he couldn’t breathe serve as a painful and sad symbol of how such acts of violence suffocate the ability of victims to experience the dignity and respect to which we are all entitled.

Our workforce of more than 72,000 team members is a reflection of the diverse communities we serve, and helped us come together like never before to provide compassionate and equitable care in the battle against the invisible enemy known as COVID-19.

Although just as insidious, racism is not an invisible foe. We know it exists, and we know how and when it reveals itself. We see it in the tragically long list of Black/African-American men and women unjustly killed by police officers, and other incidents motivated by race and a disregard for humanity. We also see it in our classrooms and workplaces where unconscious bias can drive systemic inequities and limit opportunities for individuals in historically underrepresented populations to perform to their potential.

As evidenced with the virus we are currently fighting, communities of color are also experiencing health disparities, with a significantly higher prevalence of COVID-19 infections, as well as the chronic conditions that put them at greater risk. It’s an issue that Northwell is currently collaborating with Governor Cuomo and the state Department of Health to address.

The bottom line is all forms of racism and discrimination must be eradicated. We are committed to nurturing a culture that supports diversity, inclusion and health equity where every team member and patient is treated with dignity and respect and feels welcomed, valued and heard. We live our mission and our values, and through allyship, seek to build relationships with those in vulnerable populations based on trust, consistency and accountability through listening, supporting and advocating on their behalf.

The late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…and that whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Our team members and communities are truly resilient. However, we know that under the surface, strong feelings of fear, frustration, mistrust, anger and hurt may be present. In the coming weeks, we will hold forums designed to foster the dialogue necessary to help elevate our collective understanding and drive further action within our organization and communities.

At Northwell, we are Truly Ourselves. We are all unique, and we stand united, proud and respectful, always celebrating our differences. It is with this spirit that we will redouble our efforts and remain a leader in diversity and inclusion as we continue to foster a supportive and inclusive culture and drive positive change within our organization and the communities that entrust us with their care.