Statement by Mary R. Grealy, President, Healthcare Leadership Council

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”  During this troubling time, all voices must be heard regarding the dignity, respect and freedom that must be the birthright of every human being.  We speak often and proudly about an American culture defined by life, liberty and happiness, but as long as those qualities are not enjoyed by all of our citizens, then the American dream has yet to be fully realized.

It is not enough to just condemn the tragic and inexcusable death of George Floyd and the racial violence and discrimination that has been a persistent stain on our nation’s history.  We must all strive to do more to make this truly a land of abiding justice and equal opportunity.  For the members of the Healthcare Leadership Council, that means a continuing focus on the healthcare inequities that exist in the United States and taking steps to ensure that all Americans have access to high-quality care and that no one suffers sicker and shorter lives because of the color of their skin.

We mourn the loss of George Floyd.  We join the call for an end to violence in our streets.  And we will continue to insist that all voices be raised and heard in order to achieve a better, more just America.