Thanksgiving comes at a beautiful time in our state, with trees shedding the last of their auburn leaves and snow beginning to fall in the mountains. This year we are also a few weeks past the close of a tense election cycle. This makes Thanksgiving 2016 a particularly important one.
Giving thanks is important when it comes to remembering why we do the work that we do. Regardless of what ideological differences divided us this year, it’s a time to remember that we’re all here together in Washington, and that we all want the same thing: what is best for health care, for our state, for our country and for each other. It’s time for us to put aside any differences we may have had this year, come together and celebrate with our friends, family and neighbors.
This year I’m of course thankful for my family, but I’m also thankful for the great health care system we have in Washington State, as well as the hardworking men and women who work in our hospitals and medical centers every day and night — including this holiday — to care for every single person who needs it. I’m thankful that we have such a robust system that we can confidently say that help is never far away in Washington State, on any day, at any time, no matter who you are.
So I want to thank you, our members, for everything you do. We say it often, but our work is really about you, as you are the ones on the front lines, making a difference every day in patients’ lives and making your communities healthier. We are grateful for you. Happy Thanksgiving!
Cassie Sauer
WSHA Executive Vice President and incoming President and CEO
cassies@wsha.org
