Shootings: We can't be complacent

Once again, our nation mourns innocent lives lost to senseless mass shootings. We hold the people of Dayton, Ohio, El Paso, Texas and Gilroy, Calif. close in our hearts. And we refuse to fall into the trap of complacency. May we never become numb to violent acts of fear and hate that desecrate the sanctity of life. 

As one of the largest health systems in the U.S., we pledge to keep speaking up and taking action to protect public health. And we will not stop until deaths from gun violence subside. Providence St. Joseph Health is an active voice for common sense gun safety laws. We supported the bill requiring universal background checks that passed in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year. And we urge the Senate to do the same.

Our Mission calls us to be a steadfast source of healing love in the world. One of the brightest examples of this is the work we are doing at the Southern border. Teams of PSJH caregivers are travelling to McAllen, Texas and volunteering at the Humanitarian Respite Center operated by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. Our caregivers are helping the multitudes of refugees fleeing abject poverty and violence in Latin America. Many of you have also donated generously to this cause.

At a time when the rhetoric of hate is spurring horrific violence, thank you for being a beacon of love and compassion in a world that so desperately needs it. Together, we can bring about the hope and healing that our founding sisters envisioned when they began our ministry more than 160 years ago.

How you can help:

Read my blog about our work at the border>
Make a donation and PSJH will match up to $100,000>