Leadership Message: At UC Davis Health, We All Belong
(SACRAMENTO)
Dear Colleagues,
At a time when we see deep divisions nationally and separations between friends, family, and communities, let us always understand that here at UC Davis Health, everyone belongs. Harmful rhetoric and actions at national or other levels can have profound and personal impacts. This can be especially true for community members who have faced marginalization or other injustices in the past. For many people, dehumanizing rhetoric and actions attack the very core of who they are, affecting one’s sense of safety, well-being, and belonging here in our community.
Here at UC Davis, everyone belongs.
We are one community, coming together around the shared goals of helping our patients, families, and co-workers, improving health for all, advancing science, and teaching the next generation—and each other. Every one of us is here because we should be – we each bring invaluable abilities, amazing skills, and unique perspectives that help us achieve our goals together.
As always, our UC Davis Principles of Community call on us to remain committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to these values because we know that these values result in better health for our patients and a better workplace for us all. The research shows this.
And, this is why we strive to be a place where everyone, especially those who feel vulnerable, can live, learn, work, and be themselves. Please consider these thoughts:
We are better united than divided.
We all are unique and bring valuable contributions to our roles each day.
We all deserve safety, dignity, and respect.
We believe all members of our communities have a right to access health care.
Divisions must not define us. How we stand and how we act today and tomorrow will define us. Let’s lift one another up, foster a culture of respect, and ensure every person feels seen, is valued, and knows they are essential to our mission of providing quality care to all who come to us.
As part of our mission, we will continue to:
Uphold California’s anti-discrimination and health laws – laws that support care for immigrants and access to gender-affirming care, mental health services, and wellness resources.
Adhere to UC Davis anti-discrimination policies and support inclusive practices for all persons.
Create and uplift spaces for advocacy, belonging, and healing.
Stand firmly against misinformation and discrimination of any kind, including any rooted in racial/ethnic bias, gender bias, antisemitism, or Islamophobia. (View anti-discrimination resources.)
Many resources are available to employees within our community that can support a sense of connection and well-being.
The Academic and Staff Assistance Program provides confidential mental health and wellness support to help you care for yourself, even as you care for others.
Our employee resource groups offer opportunities to connect, build community, and find solidarity:
These spaces are here for you. All are welcome in any of these groups.
Like you, we are honored to walk alongside each member of our many communities every day, even when times might seem divisive. At UC Davis Health, you matter, your voice matters, and your presence strengthens us all.
Sincerely,
Bruce Hall, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Interim Vice Chancellor of Human Health Sciences Chief Clinical Officer
Michael Condrin, M.B.A. Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer for UC Davis Health
Susan Murin, M.D., MSc., M.B.A. Dean, UC Davis School of Medicine
Stephen J. Cavanagh, Ph.D., M.P.A., R.N., F.A.C.H.E., F.A.A.N. Dean, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing
Hendry Ton, M.D., MS Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
To learn more about all our UC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups, visit the ERG website. These groups are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate in, or be educated about the many cultures and communities at UC Davis Health. Membership and participation in Employee Resource Group activities are not dependent on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any protected category under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
