Diversity & Inclusion

A Message of Diversity & Inclusion to the Holy Cross Community from Interim President and CEO Doug Strong





The widespread turmoil we are living through demands of us that we reflect deeply about what is most important to us as a community and as a nation. As a Ministry, it is imperative that we anchor ourselves in all of our Core Values, particularly emphasizing our commitment to reverence, integrity, justice and safety.




Consider the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, age 25; Breonna Taylor, age 26; and George Floyd, age 46. In communities across America, unarmed black people have died at much greater rates than unarmed white people. At the same time, the COVID mortality rate for black Americans is more than double that of any other race or ethnicity in the country.

The causes are complex, and we must confront the fundamental reality of structural racism as the primary cause. To this day - despite any claims to the contrary - systemic inequalities deeply engrained in our nation persist in education, employment, criminal justice, housing and, yes, health care.

As a group, African Americans experience significant health disparities with chronic conditions as a result of reduced access to care and preventive screenings, and the bias they often face when attempting to obtain treatment for these concerns. The underlying causes of these disparities have been linked to many things, however it is our role as a healthcare organization to do what we can to minimize and ultimately eliminate them.

There are many individuals in the community – and within our ranks – working tirelessly to change the narrative. I believe that our healthcare institutions are uniquely positioned to champion healing and transformation through outreach programs, expanded healthcare access and a unified voice.

Holy Cross Hospital embraces and values the uniqueness of the myriad ethnicities that shape South Florida, our Associates, patients and families. We must stand in solidarity with our communities of color in order to achieve long-term and sustainable change.

We often say, if you see something, say something. This credo applies to more than safety and security. It applies to injustices big and small...near and far. We are a global community. Take action and be the change you wish to see in the world whether through prayer, petitioning or peaceful and powerful protest.

At Holy Cross Hospital, we are committed to a culture of inclusion in which all people are welcomed, valued and celebrated. We believe that when diverse perspectives are solicited, heard, appreciated and utilized, we as an organization and a society prosper.

It is to be expected that we have different reactions to the tragic and unthinkable events that have occurred and also differences in how we react to the widespread civil unrest that has followed. These differences are to be respected. I know that this is a much more difficult time for our Associates of color, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I challenge all of us to work harder at widening our respective circles and working within them to seek greater awareness, understanding and acceptance of our differences, for they truly make us stronger.