At Large, District 4 Regent’s Messag Stephen Davis

Message from Our ACHE Regent At Large, District 4

Dear Colleagues,

It is hard to believe that the year is coming to an end. As we close out 2021, I am amazed at the progress we have achieved in combating COVID-19. I am grateful to members and fellows of ACHE of North Texas for continuing to demonstrate extraordinary leadership during these challenging times. Because of you, we have much to hope for as we prepare to enter 2022.

The fall and beginning of winter are full of numerous holidays that are part of the fabric of many communities. From Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the new year for the Jewish community in September, to Diwali, the Indian festival of lights in November, followed by Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Christmas, we have many reasons to be festive during this time of year. Additionally, we must understand that there are some who may not celebrate the end-of-year holidays at all.

I also want to remind our leadership community that while the holidays are the happiest time of year for many, this can also be a time where people experience loneliness and sadness. For me personally, while holiday music often lifts my spirits and makes me feel nostalgic, it also reminds me of my grandmother who we lost around the holidays during my freshman year of high school.

I encourage leaders to connect with members of our workforce in ways that are meaningful to them and honor the diversity of lived experiences and faith traditions.

I wish you all a wonderful end to 2021 and a fantastic 2022!

According to the Pew Research Center, while 70.6% of Americans identify as Christian, more than 5% belong to Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu faiths (Pew Research Center, 2015). Importantly, 22.8% identify as atheist, agnostic or no religious preference. When I was a master’s student at Georgetown, Jesuit values were instilled in us, one of them being “Interreligious Understanding” – defined in part to be “an understanding of God revealed through different religious traditions.” This value remains important to me today as we seek to honor every voice within our healthcare community. Sincerely,

Stephan Davis, DNP, MHSA, FACHE MHA Director and Assistant Professor Chair – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee UNT Health Science Center, School of Public Health

Regent-at-Large, ACHE District Four Immediate Past Chair, ACHE LGBTQ Healthcare Leaders Community

As healthcare leaders, it is so important that we celebrate the diversity of faith and religious traditions during this time of year. LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/DrStephanDavis

Reference: Pew Research Center (2015). America’s changing religious landscape. Retrieved from: https://www.pewforum. org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/