It Takes All of Us

I write to you with a heavy heart. I am sickened by the senseless and tragic death of George Floyd. The events of the last week are challenging and painful to watch and have also been a reminder of the pervasiveness of racism and intolerance many African Americans experience. To the Goldfarb Family,

I write to you with a heavy heart. I am sickened by the senseless and tragic death of George Floyd. The events of the last week are challenging and painful to watch and have also been a reminder of the pervasiveness of racism and intolerance many African Americans experience.

The magnitude of this moment is not lost on me or our GSON faculty and staff. At Goldfarb, we educate future nurse leaders—those who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. A passion that is anchored in decency and humanity.

All of us are needed to make a significant difference on racial issues in our community and across the country. For Goldfarb, education goes beyond addressing patients’ physical needs. It means that we must remain keenly aware of the emotional impact racism has on the overall health of the patients we serve.

The corona virus exposed health disparities, particularly among African Americans. Meanwhile, the horrific images of George Floyd painfully revealed the racism that still exists.

Although COVID 19 has separated us, our voice will remain united. I've seen our college community work harder to make connections and support our students, as well as each other. Many of GSON students, faculty and staff work or volunteer in communities that are disproportionately impacted by health disparities. The faculty and staff working on our strategic plan are preparing a path for us to tackle health disparities and social determinants of health in a meaningful way.

When our communities hurt. We hurt. So, I say to you, keep going. Don’t stop.

Community. Caring Ways. Mutual Respect. Empowerment.  The four core values that represent Goldfarb’s highest aspirations. Our commitment to equity in all forms is unwavering. Goldfarb is resolute about cultivating an inclusive culture and ask that we continue to commit ourselves collectively to demonstrating our values. We will continue to embrace and celebrate our differences.

To anyone in our GSON community who feels unsupported or invisible; I see you.  I want to hear from you—I want to hear your ideas.

If you need help during this stressful time, please do not hesitate to reach out to your leader, manager or instructor. Many of these resources are available through BJC:

•         BJC employees can contact the BJC Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support by visiting the BJC EAP website at www.bjceap.com, or call 314.747.7490 (toll-free 888.505.6444)

•         LifeScope (username = WUSTL; password = guest) is available to Washington University School of Medicine employees at toll-free 800.765.9124

•         Behavioral Health Response is available as a resource for the community at 314.469.6644 or toll-free 800.811.4760

•         The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at toll-free 800.273.TALK (8255)

•         Life Crisis Services are available 24/7 at 314.647.HELP (4357)

We have hope for the future. To our community, faculty, staff, students and parents—thank you for all you do. 

Sincerely,

Nancy