Dear Community Members,

Since March, we have experienced an incredible amount of change, loss and adaptation that has affected the way we see the world, live our lives and do our jobs.There is no doubt that the historical challenges we are in the midst of will have unforeseen and long-term impacts. At this point, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is a marathon and not the sprint we had originally hoped for. We are all navigating and learning as this progresses, and as with all endurance events, the real test for each of us will be in figuring out how to effectively recover as we go.

I have been reading a lot recently about how to practice “micro-emotional recoveries” as the COVID-19 marathon stretches out before us. Most of the research indicates that we need to hold space in our days for hope and gratitude while we also nurture a perspective that is at least partially anchored beyond what is immediately in front of us. The combination of these things can create a sense of purpose that elevates our ability to manage in the moment differently, and relieves some of the sustained emotional strain and fatigue. 

Right now, I am nurturing hope for improved social justice and the arrival of an effective vaccine. I am also grateful for the leaders across our region who are working to make a difference as we all work to address the new, different and emerging challenges our communities face. And, as I sit here today, my perspective is anchored in my intention to work collectively in our communities to create a “new normal” that is better than where we are now and is also better than where we were before.

Stay safe,

Shelly Burke
Chief Executive Officer, Axis Health System