The greatest part about my role as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Berkshire Health is that I have had the opportunity to meet people I probably never would have met. As I have said before this has been a journey of learning for me. My eyes are wide open when they have been closed. My head was up when I walked with it down. I look both ways when my focus was straight ahead. I like to compare my six-month journey to having cataract surgery. I was having a hard time seeing at night especially when there were headlights from oncoming traffic. I went to the optometrist, and they discovered I had cataracts in both eyes. Once I had the surgery everything was so much clearer. It was like driving with a dirty windshield and you finally decided to clean it. When I began to pay attention, my insight was much clearer.
I know that because I hold dignity in such high esteem it has opened my eyes to what is truly important and that is when I honor the dignity of myself and others, I understand that our purpose on this Earth is greater than just our accomplishments. It is what we do when we have the power to make change that will be the roadmap to the greatest and most rewarding life we could ever have. I am not saying we will not struggle or have hardships because more than likely we will but when you can help someone change their life there is no greater joy than that.
I have spent much of my life trying to validate that I belong. I thought that having an important title would gain me the respect that I felt I deserved. When I looked back, I understood how that focus kept me from seeing what is most important and that is honoring dignity. I see my new role as an opportunity to speak for those who have feel they have lost their voice. I see my role as a partner to those many heroes who are on the frontlines in our healthcare system and our community. It is why I have dedicated my first year to building those relationships. I realize that the health of our community can only happen when we partner together to face the challenges ahead.
The amazing thing I have learned in my journey is that when I have talked to all the community leaders they never say “I” it is always “We”. They understand their role and purpose and I have learned much from them. As a nurse I look at data and research all the time. This information is important because it helps us and gives us guidance on how we deliver care. My many conversations with the community gives that data a face. It becomes more than just numbers because each percentage for me is a person. I call data the title of the chapter and the people are the story of that chapter. The faces and voices give the information meaning and our mission purpose. It is why when I sit in a planning meeting I will always speak about the community as a partner in their health care. It is the only way we will be successful.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 