Idaho Spine and Sports Physical Therapy supports Equality and Diversity; A Letter from the CEO
Dear Idaho Spine and Sports Physical Therapy Team,
As Physical Therapists, we advocate for all patients and clients both as individuals and as a population, in practice, education, and research settings to manage and promote change, and adopt best practice standards. The American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA’s) mission statement is: “A Healthier Society Through a Strong Community.”
Recent unfortunate events have allowed me to reflect on my own beliefs and biases. I think this is a good thing. Anything that brings focus to a society and individuals to identify and act upon inequalities, I welcome. I want to honor and acknowledge those who are working alongside one another every day to address prejudice, racism, and violence.
Being raised in Idaho, I realize that I will never fully understand racial struggles, but I will listen and learn. My wife is an ethnic minority, and my heart breaks, hearing her stories of the discrimination she has faced because of the color of her skin. Her stories about some people’s prejudice and how powerful their hurtful words affected her, saddens me. Recently, one of our team members shared that she had a patient ask if she had a green card, and he never returned for his therapy sessions. I don’t want to be angry with this man because he is ignorant, but I also do not condone his behavior and am fine to lose him as a client. Unfortunately, there are many more stories of intolerance that I have heard from our team members. My leadership team and I continue to learn and grow.
Today, I want to affirm that I, and the companies I am involved with will be committed to the dignity and safety of all members of our community regardless of their race, color, social status, economic status, or identity. Moreover, we will strive to build a community of authentic care, belonging, and acceptance in which all people can thrive.
We will continually recommit to become better at serving our community, both within and outside of the clinic.
Sincerely,
Bret Adams, CEO
Idaho Spine and Sports Physical Therapy
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
-Nelson Mandela