Newsletter August 2022
From the Chief Executive Officer's Desk
Joseph Sedlock
A colleague (and friend) recently raised some questions that prodded me to spend some focused time pondering.
And to offer the following thoughts.
It is part of my official role at Mid-State Health Network (MSHN) to speak for the organization, an obligation that I
take very seriously. In that role, it’s important to me personally and professionally to lead this organization and this
region – in doing the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons.
Our culture has seemingly deepened its divides over what’s “right.” As a public entity which exists to serve all
people with behavioral health needs, we have much to do. A top priority among them is our focus on embracing,
celebrating, inviting, and creating diversity, striving for inclusion of all and pursuing equity – especially as it relates
to eliminating health disparities - in our organization, in our region, in our state, in our country, and in our world.
MSHN has a moral, ethical (and I would argue legal) duty to eliminate disparities in health outcomes experienced
by the individuals, families, and communities we exist to serve.
The MSHN Board established a strategic priority of “Better Equity.” To pursue this priority, and on behalf of MSHN:
- I commit to the work of eradicating the causes and consequences of disparities – especially disparities in
access to specialty behavioral health services and related health outcomes. - I commit to welcoming and inclusion of all.
- I reject actions – or inactions - that marginalize, mistreat, discriminate against, disenfranchise, or in any
way introduce bias to our services and support systems.
I am committed personally and professionally to these things. But MSHN needs your help, your partnership, your
voice, and your advocacy.
We will call out – and ask that you call out – conditions, policies, practices, and actions/inactions that result in
advantages to some over others, bias or discriminatory impacts such as racism, sexism, ableism, ageism, and
other conditions that contribute to personal, familial, community, and societal conditions that impact the mental
wellness of individuals and communities.
None of us can do this alone. I am asking that you join me and join MSHN as an ally in this work; in becoming
better; in being better.
The residents of our region deserve nothing less.
For further information or questions, please contact Joe at Joseph.Sedlock@midstatehealthnetwork.org