A message from Julie Miller Phipps, president, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Health Plan and Hospitals, and Ed Ellison, MD, executive medical director, Southern California Permanente Medical Group:
From the recent killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor to the discrimination faced by Christian Cooper, our society is faced with stark reminders of the frequent injustices we must continue to fight. America must do better, we can all do better, and Kaiser Permanente is committed to addressing the root causes of this painful inequity. This is why we are supporting and personally planning to participate in tomorrow’s “Moment of Solidarity” to recognize the need for greater equity and inclusion:
What:
A “Moment of Solidarity,” in which staff and physicians who choose to do may come together to kneel or stand silently for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Participation can be at your desk in your department, with a larger group outside of the facility, or from your remote work location.
When:
Friday, June 5, from 12:30 p.m. to 12:49 p.m.
- 12:30 p.m. – Gathering begins
- 12:40 p.m. – Moment of silence begins for 8 minutes and 46 seconds
- 12:49 p.m. – Show of solidarity concludes and return to work commences
Where:
All Kaiser Permanente Southern California facilities are participating. Please consult with your local leadership to determine whether any areas at your facility have been specifically designated. Those who are working offsite may participate from their remote location.
Who:
Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians who choose to participate. This individual expression of solidarity is personal and optional.
Additional Information:
- As always, patient care must not be disrupted.
- This is not a media event. Individual staff who choose to document this event for personal purposes or for personal social media should ensure that they adhere to KP’s Social Media policy, and that they are respectful of the participation of others in this Moment of Solidarity.
- Branded signs are included should you wish to use one (please see the sample [1] and the zip file [2] to print one).
- Please note: this is a silent and stationary event and will not include marching, protesting, walking up and down sidewalks holding signs, etc. This is a peaceful, respectful, safe, and secure outpouring of support and compassion for all of those we serve.
Next:
We recognize that this is but one moment. There is much more that we must do to understand, connect, and identify real resolutions – and much more that we will do. We don’t have immediate solutions, but we have a plan to help us get there (you will hear details about this in the coming days). This is our goal as an organization, and this Moment of Solidarity is our beginning.