A message from the CEO
At Heritage Health, our mission is to Improve Life for everyone in our community through inclusive, compassionate, and high-quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services. We believe that everyone deserves to feel welcome and accepted, regardless of their background or identity.
It has come to our attention that there are false and malicious claims suggesting our support for the LGBTQIA+ community is part of a harmful agenda.
These accusations are not only completely unfounded but are also a deliberate attempt to mislead and sow division within our community.
Our mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals in North Idaho, and our support for inclusivity is a vital part of this mission.
We unequivocally reject the baseless notion that promoting acceptance and understanding contributes to any crisis. Such statements are not only incorrect but also dangerous. Fostering a community where everyone feels valued and respected is essential to mental health and overall well-being. The mental health challenges we face as a community are complex and multifaceted, and scapegoating marginalized groups is a cowardly and ineffective way to address these issues.
We believe in the fundamental principle that each of us should have the freedom to live our own best life. The values of equity, diversity, and inclusion are deeply tied to the concepts of freedom and liberty—principles that are foundational to our society. We want the same things: a community where everyone can thrive, free from discrimination and hatred.
Regarding the Pride in the Park event, we stand proudly with initiatives that celebrate diversity and promote unity. Events like these are crucial for creating a sense of belonging and community for all residents, especially those who have historically faced discrimination and exclusion. Attempting to demonize these efforts only serves to harm our community further.
We recognize that some individuals may have concerns about societal changes, and we welcome open dialogue. However, it is imperative that these conversations are grounded in truth and mutual respect. Spreading lies and promoting hatred will not be tolerated. Our goal is to build a community where every person can thrive, and we firmly believe that acceptance and support are key to achieving this.
At Heritage Health, we will continue to advocate fiercely for the health and well-being of everyone in North Idaho. We urge all community members to stand with us in rejecting hatred and promoting a culture of kindness, understanding, and acceptance.
Sincerely,
Mike Baker
CEO, Heritage Health
Impacting people
