Gratitude (noun): the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
Next week, many of you will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. And although we all have our own ways in which we will observe the day, gratitude will no doubt be at the heart of the celebrations.
Despite the challenges of the past year — financial, workforce, supply chain, not to mention the ongoing pandemic — there remains much to be grateful for.
I am grateful for the work that your hospitals do — 24/7/365. This work takes many forms, including this past year’s accomplishments like the 2022 San Diego Community Health Needs Assessment and Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation for all eligible San Diego County hospitals. None of this would have been possible without your hospitals’ input, hard work, and dedication to the betterment of the patients and communities you serve.
I am grateful for your continued support of HASD&IC. Much has been asked of your hospitals this past year, and whether it’s writing letters, attending meetings, or giving us feedback, our work wouldn’t be possible without your efforts.
I am grateful for the possibilities and opportunities — however challenging they may be — that present themselves for growth and allow us to challenge ourselves every day.
I am grateful that tomorrow we will have the opportunity to gather for the HASD&IC Annual Meeting. For the first time in more than two years, we’ll be in person — not on Zoom — for a chance to network and reconnect with our colleagues and community partners. This is also a great opportunity to hear from speakers who will inspire and inform us about what’s ahead for our health care delivery system in the coming year.
I am grateful for our health care workforce, without which none of this would be possible. Under often immense pressure, you continue to show up to care for your communities in all ways.
Whether you are celebrating at home with family, with your colleagues at work, or elsewhere — wishing each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving!