A response from the hwr advisory board

As we reflect on the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, we want to start by sending love and support to their families and the families of countless other Black lives cut short at the hands of police with little to accountability  for the officers and departments responsible.

At HWR, our membership is made up almost entirely of women who identify as Black and this advisory board is reflective of that. With our youngest members being typically in their early 20s and our oldest members being well into their 70s that means that this fight is personal, is felt on many levels and has been felt across multiple generations.

We are asking for what a lot of people are asking for: increased accountability and transparency for police departments across the country. To quote a recent article written by President Barack Obama, “the elected officials who matter most in reforming police departments and the criminal justice system work at the state and local levels.” So, while we support the actions and protests that have ignited people all over the world, we ask that people continue to vote with their ballots as much as their feet.

As homecare workers, it is necessary in our work that we build and maintain trust, lead with empathy and treat those in need of our care with dignity and respect. Now, we are asking that this country do the same for our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters, and for us - who know the value of making others feel safe and protected and deserve to feel that same safety and protection.

In Solidarity,

Healthcare Workers Rising Advisory Board

#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #JusticeForBreonnaTaylor #BlackLivesMatter