Dear UCR Health Family,

As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for each of you. This season encourages us to pause, appreciating the people and moments that shape our lives – including the incredible work we do each day to enhance the health and well-being of our community. 

We must never lose sight of our mission: To deliver outstanding patient care in alignment with community needs and to increase services and capacity for underserved urban and rural areas of the Inland Empire. We achieve this by focusing on the population health needs of the communities we serve, improving access to services in a timely and accountable manner, and being a beacon of light for at-risk and vulnerable populations through collaboration with community partners. These principles are not just words; they guide us in making “your health our priority.” 

This year, more than ever, I am thankful for the resilience, dedication, and compassion that each of you bring to our organization. In late October, I was able to attend Michael Roque's birthday party that was hosted by the staff at Citrus Tower. The team presented him with a set of Mickey ears —something he loves, given his passion for Disneyland. It was a very emotional moment, and I shared with him that all of us were pulling for him in his recovery. My gratitude goes out to all of you who donated over 730 hours of PTO to Michael to help during this time. Whether you’re on the front lines with patients or supporting our teams behind the scenes, your hard work brings our mission to life: providing exceptional care and support to those in need. Your commitment has a profound impact not only on our patients but also their families and the broader community. 

I am incredibly grateful for how we have come together to navigate challenges and continue striving for excellence. Your unwavering spirit and teamwork have been truly inspiring during times of uncertainty. You remind me daily of the power of unity and the difference we can make when we work toward a shared purpose. We had over 46,000 patient visits last fiscal year, and your efforts have reached countless members of our community. I’ve witnessed how we treat our patients with kindness, compassion and accountability. Our community trusts us with their care, and we must honor this trust as sacred. Each encounter is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 

I am excited to share that on October 14^th, Herodia Allen joined UCR Health as our Chief Operating Officer. Herodia came to us from Kaiser, and previously worked at UCSF. Herodia is a great listener, deeply passionate about patient care and the quality of service they receive, and a creative problem-solver. Her contagious laugh is sure to bring a smile to your face. She will be visiting all our sites over the next few weeks.  

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I encourage you all to take time for yourselves and your loved ones. Reflect on the many things, both big and small, for which we can be grateful. Amid the busy days and the challenges that come with our work, it is essential to nurture the gratitude that fuels our passion for care. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary team. Your contributions are deeply valued, and I am honored to work alongside you. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. 

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with peace, joy, and gratitude. 

With Warmest regards,