While our country seeks to find a path forward on immigration, Washington State’s hospitals and health systems are focused on the people who are right in front of us, needing our care. We stand united to serve patients and communities.
We ask patients about the most intimate details about their bodies and their health. But we do not ask patients about their immigration status. All patients are welcome in our hospitals and clinics.
When you are in a hospital, caregivers provide care without judgment. Doctors and nurses should be focused on caring for patients, not examining patients’ documents. Caring for everyone is part of the heart-felt mission of health care, but it also has a very practical side: viruses and bacteria don’t check visas. A healthy community depends on everyone’s ability to get healthy and stay healthy.
Hospitals and health systems rely on employees from a broad variety of backgrounds. The hospital work force is large and diverse. That cultural richness benefits us all. The care we provide is improved by learning from each other. Washington State hospital employees are valued for the care they provide, no matter their national origin.
Washington State hospitals and health systems are grateful and honored to serve our communities in all their richness and diversity.
Sincerely,
Cassie Sauer
WSHA President & CEO
cassies@wsha.org
