At a time when many of us are already managing the stress of social isolation, worry about the spread of COVID-19, and anxiety about what lies ahead, we are mourning the senseless loss of yet another Black life, one in a series of unjust murders. What’s happening in response to the murder of George Floyd, both here in Providence and across the country, has been upsetting to witness. These difficult events profoundly demonstrate that there’s still much work to be done to unify our communities.

While no one can truly walk in anyone else’s shoes, this is a time when we must show compassion and empathy for each other. We at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island stand with our Black colleagues, and Black Americans, and acknowledge their pain. The injustices you continue to face are unfathomable.

This is a time for all of us to demonstrate, by our own actions, that we are committed to being part of the solution. We remain focused on health equity for all Rhode Islanders and will never stop listening and learning. Now, more than ever, we are reminded of the urgency of these efforts. Together, we will get to the other side of these extraordinarily challenging times.

- Kim A. Keck, president & CEO, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island