A Message to Our Community

Dear Frederick Health Family & Our Frederick Community,

As an organization dedicated to serving others, we are always focused on doing what is right. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, or any other diverse characteristics; we work hard every day to eliminate intentional or unintentional bias in how we treat patients, visitors, and members of our team. Yet all of us can have blind spots; promoting justice and equity for all members of our community requires acknowledgement that the killing of George Floyd broke a dam of longstanding frustration at the injustice impacting our Black Community and by extension, all of us.

Frederick Health is committed to addressing the effects of inequity and developing collaborative solutions that point our community toward a healthier future. Beyond the walls of our organization, we work to break down barriers to care, identify and diminish health disparities, and create an environment of health equity for all.

Recently, we have all been focused on responding to COVID-19 and providing critical care and support to those in need. Our efforts have gone well beyond our walls to include providing supplies and PPE to a local provider treating dozens of predominantly Latino patients, working with our County Health Department to increase testing and support for disproportionately affected Black and Latino communities, strongly advocating for adequate shelter and care for the homeless and those in long-term care facilities, and offering free screening and testing to anyone in need.

Beyond COVID-19, today we also face the additional burden of uncertainty, stress, and fear as communities across the nation struggle to understand and respond to the senseless violence we have witnessed against people of color. At times like this, we must not only pause and acknowledge the inequity, but also speak up and provide support through words of affirmation, a listening ear, and space to grieve-even if that means stepping out of our comfort zone. Frederick Health condemns violence, racism, and hatred. Whether someone is seeking care from our organization, serving as part of our team, or simply residing within our community; everyone has the right to feel safe, supported, and welcome. Everyone also has the right to peacefully assemble, and every day this week in Frederick City there will be purposeful demonstrations to point out the need for equal justice in our County and our Country. During these events, we will be prepared, as we always are, to provide a safe haven for those seeking our services. In the words of our Founder, Emma Smith, we will be here to provide “care for the sick, comfort for the injured, and peace of mind”.

Through our shared voices and diverse perspectives, we all play an important role in improving the health and safety of the community we serve. Frederick Health’s mission is to positively impact the well-being of every individual in our community. By working together and standing with those who seek to eliminate injustice in our society, I am confident that we will continue to thrive.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Kleinhanzl
President and CEO
Frederick Health