The following message was released Monday evening from Ada K. Wilson, vice president, inclusion and diversity, Nebraska Medicine; and Frank Lococo, vice president, marketing and communications, Nebraska Medicine and executive sponsor, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine LGBTQ+ Employee Alliance.
As clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals, we wake up every morning with the goal of providing brave and healthy spaces for our colleagues, patients, and community. Our commitment to practicing serious medicine and offering extraordinary care includes ensuring everyone within our community is affirmed and empowered in their identity. The tragic news of the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs disrupts this philosophy yet calls upon each of us to continue our pursuit of equity and justice.
While we might not have the perfect words to share in this moment, we do want to make one thing clear. We value every member of the LGBTQ+ community at Nebraska Medicine and UNMC. We stand against violence and hatred and will work collectively to create a safe work environment for all colleagues, learners, patients, families and community members.
For those who wish to connect with others during this time, we will host a special Brave Space conversation with our LGBTQ+ Employee Alliance on Wednesday, November 23 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. This will be a space for us to join together and process this senseless tragedy.
You are not alone, and you belong here.
Wellness resources available
UNMC offers support through wellness resources for every segment of the campus community: faculty/staff and house officers and students.
Nebraska Medicine offers a number of free support and counseling resources for anyone who needs to talk with someone immediately. Through our Employee Assistance Program, colleagues can access live chat therapy, self-guided content and virtual support groups by calling 1.888.881.5462 or online at SupportLinc.com (username: nebraskamedicine). Individual or team support is offered through the Peers in Need of Support (PINS) program. The PINS program is confidential and separate from HR and clinical record-keeping. Email PINS@nebraskamed.com to reach out. The ‘counseling resources’ quick link on the Nebraska Medicine NOW homepage has a complete list of all support and counseling resources.
Thank you Ada and Frank for being great partners and for sharing this message. This is another tragedy that makes us feel a little more unsafe. The timing was intentionally more hurtful. Please reach out if there is anything that we can do to support you. And know there is community here for you.
I’m glad to see this support. On my way in this morning I was imagining what it must feel like right now to be a member of this community. My heart is hurting for all and my hope is that they can see and experience the love of others right here at Nebraska Medicine.