Jackson, Tennessee (June 11, 2020) – In a recent email to all West Tennessee Healthcare employees, President and CEO James Ross expressed heartfelt sentiments about recent social events. He stated, “I have been wrestling in my mind with the recent tragedies that have affected all of us locally, nationally, and worldwide. The civil unrest gives a voice to the deep-seated frustration and hurt felt by many who are dealing with social inequities, poor determinants of health, and unequal treatment.”
Ross reminded employees that Independence Day is approaching and that the Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” He also reminded employees of West Tennessee Healthcare’s values, the acronym CARES, which includes the value of Respect “for everyone we come in contact with regardless of their race, ethnicity, or cultural differences.”
He encouraged employees to take time to empathize with the pain of others, and asked all employees to decide what they can do to “meet the needs” of the community and “make a difference.” In his final comments, he states, “I recognize that these efforts are only as good as we embrace them and that begins with me. We are committed to honest and action-oriented dialogue among staff, with our doctors, and with the communities we serve to identify the best ways to promote a culture of equity for all.”
