INTRANET

As we approach the end of an unforgettable year, reminders are all around us that COVID-19 is not done with us just yet. Case rates are historically high in this country and our own state, and the preventive measures of masking, social distancing, and hand washing are as relevant and as important as ever.

​

In this holiday season, and with the New Year just around the corner, there is a lot to remember and reflect upon regarding the year we have just come through. It has tested—and changed—everyone’s assumptions about “normal,” and no one knows how permanent some of the changes made in response to the pandemic will be. From my perspective it should be very clear to everyone that as a nation, and in every state and region, we need to work toward re-establishing a sense of community and common purpose in both our public and private lives. Our individual choices do affect others—for better or worse—and cannot be simply whatever I want on the claim of “individual” rights. At the same time, public decisions, programs, and resource allocations must serve the collective good and benefit everyone in the communities affected, whether at the local or national level. It’s time to build on the strengths of our country that brought us to the present time, while we cast aside the assumptions, policies, and practices of the past that excluded certain groups and individuals from full participation in the rights and benefits of a society that is clearly wealthy enough, and fully capable, of supporting and
including everyone. We can do better. We must.

​

La Familia Medical Center stands for that spirit of inclusion and community, and directly reaches out to serve those who have not had full access to the benefits of a wealthy society. Each of you is part of a vital and important mission to serve and support these people within our community, giving them access to health care, resources to improve and maintain better health status, and hope. You make an important and positive difference in many, many lives, and because you do, lives are improved and the Santa Fe community is stronger and better. Despair is contagious—and so is hope. Thank you for shining the light of hope as you go about your work.

I wish everyone as peaceful and restful a holiday season as possible in these trying times. COVID vaccines are on the way and that is another reason for hope that we will see the tide turning against this challenging and dangerous infection in the near future. In the meantime, thanks again for everything you are doing to make La Familia stronger and Santa Fe better. Stay safe and stay vigilant. Someone’s life may well depend on it.