Community members,

As we begin to interpret the results of last week’s election, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of this time for our country and for each of us individually.

While the results of the election stir up a range of emotions, we look to our organizational values to ground us: Accountability, determination, equity, innovation, knowledge, organizational health, respect, and wellbeing. At Cascadia Health, these values drive the work we do and our commitment to the communities we serve.

First, we want to recognize that Black, African American, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, individuals living with disabilities, and other marginalized communities face additional barriers to care and experience worse health outcomes.

As an organization, we are committed to learning and using our voice to make positive change, including standing against racial injustice, protecting access to gender-affirming care, building a more aware, diverse, and culturally responsive workforce in order to provide excellent services, as well as building an organizational culture that is supportive and validating for all staff. As your executive leadership, we want you to know that we support you and we are here for you.

Finally, the implications of a new administration on health policy are yet to be determined. Whatever changes are to come, we are committed to leading with the conviction of our values. We will find a seat at the table, we will insert ourselves into necessary conversations, and we will pursue policies and reforms that will lead to better outcomes for our clients and community.

As we continue to reflect on the election results (including state and local election results), we will stay in close communication with our community partners. We will monitor developments in the political landscape and keep you informed as to how they may affect Cascadia and the healthcare system as a whole. In particular, we will be paying attention to City and County election results and how Portland’s new city governance model will impact conversations and policy making. 

At the end of the day, this is a moment that calls for compassion. We hope you will continue to show compassion and grace for one another, as well as for your family, friends, and neighbors. By focusing on what we do best (as individuals and as an organization), we can contribute positively to the world around us.

Sincerely,

Cascadia Health Executive Team