By assessing HIP’s own infrastructure and hiring practices, we have assembled a team that better reflects the community of Santa Cruz county in race, gender identity, ability status, age, and other aspects of identity. Now, we are co-creating a culture of belonging at HIP, where each team member feels seen and valued for what they uniquely contribute. The team’s collective strengths open abundant opportunities to advance HIP’s mission, centered on health equity. In brief, we are challenging ourselves and each other to do everything with an eye toward serious consideration of who decides, who benefits, who pays, and what intended and unintended consequences are likely to result. In this way, we aim to be mindful of the implications of each decision on our aspiration of achieving health equity.

Thank you for engaging in this work with us and committing to centering equity in your own work. We hope that HIP’s 2021 Annual Report provides examples of how we are working towards our goals with intentionality. Whether it is the battle for reproductive justice or going the long mile of vaccinating our community, there is still much work ahead of us, in the community and within our own organizations. I am grateful that HIP is a place for leadership to gather, support, and put our hearts and minds together to achieve a more equitable society. 

Gratefully,