Thursday, January 23, 2025

Building a More Inclusive Future at GBMC

Over the past week, I’ve reflected deeply on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within GBMC HealthCare. On Monday, we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a reminder of Dr. King’s passion for equality and justice. This followed our annual MLK celebration, which highlighted the progress we’ve made as an organization and the ongoing journey ahead.

A recent conversation with a team member from the LGBTQIA+ community underscored why this work matters. They shared how welcomed and valued they felt from their very first day at GBMC. They then continued about their work, and it was apparent to me that this colleague was doing an excellent job and that their feeling included had clearly increased their commitment to helping GBMC improve every day. Hearing this filled me with pride because it aligns with the environment we are striving to create—a workplace and healthcare system where everyone feels they belong and are respected.

At GBMC, we know that fostering inclusivity isn’t just the right thing to do; it also strengthens us as an organization. When everyone can bring their authentic selves to the table, we benefit from diverse experiences and perspectives, which lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and innovative solutions. A community thrives when all voices are heard.

GBMC’s vision—providing the care we would want for our own loved ones—guides us to build an environment where patients, families, and staff feel supported and included. By living this vision, we continue to work toward becoming a true community health system that celebrates differences while uniting behind a common purpose.

Recognizing Our Nurses

As we focus on inclusivity, let’s not forget the importance of recognizing those who exemplify our values. I encourage all staff to submit nominations for the 10th Annual Art of Nursing Awards. This is a special opportunity to honor the dedication, compassion, and skill of our nursing staff across GBMC, GBMC Health Partners, and Gilchrist.

Visit www.gbmc.org/artofnursing to learn more about the award categories and submit nominations. These awards remind us of the profound impact our nurses have on patient care and the lives they touch daily.

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