Dear HOPES Family and the Reno Community,
I have spent a lot of time over the past week reflecting on the civil unrest that faces our country and that we came face to face with on Saturday. In communities all across the United States, including right here in Reno, people have joined together to peacefully protest the unjust killing of George Floyd and the continued racism directed at people of color.
Northern Nevada HOPES is committed to improving the health and safety of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and will not perpetuate injustice with silence. Integral to our mission is the delivery of equity-based services which address all social determinants of health, including racism. Racism is an ongoing public health crisis, disproportionately affecting BIPOC, right now, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
HOPES’ vision is to create a healthier community. For us, a healthier community is equitable, inclusive, without barriers, and one in which all people have access to a hopeful future. It is something we fight for and work toward every day, but collectively, we need to do more. While BIPOC members of our community face oppression and institutionalized racism, our community can never be truly healthy.
HOPES will continue to be a safe place to access physical and mental health services, as well as many additional ancillary services to increase positive health outcomes for marginalized populations.
We join, united with so many others in our community and across the country, in our commitment to continue fighting for social justice. During these difficult and tumultuous times, we will not stop our work advocating for, and listening to, the needs of our community and the challenges they face which impact their health and well-being. We stand in solidarity with our staff, patients, board and community affected by senseless violence in the fight against systemic racism. Whoever you are, however you are — we’re here to provide help and hope. #BlackLivesMatter
Sincerely,
Sharon Chamberlain
