Voices of MultiCare: Honoring Black History Month

MultiCare is committed to cultivating, sustaining and evolving a genuine culture of belonging — an environment where all people feel valued and welcome for who they are. Celebrating the history and culture of each person on our team and in our community is a key part of that.

In recognition of Black History Month, we asked MultiCare employees to share their thoughts and the ways they recognize the observance.

Here’s what they had to say.

What does your heritage mean to you and/or how do you choose to celebrate and acknowledge Black History Month?

“My heritage provides me with a sense of pride in knowing my roots and the sacrifices made by my ancestors that I have benefited from. I celebrate Black History Month by sharing educational posts on my social media that reflect Black History and celebrate the achievements of Black Americans.”
— Alana Koponen, utilization management specialist, RN

“I am white and have come to understand how profoundly that has shaped my experience of the world compared to how BIPOC experience it. I celebrate Black History Month by reflecting on the strength, courage, resilience and joy of the Black community through history.”
— Marguerite Richmond, internal communications director, MultiCare Behavioral Health Network

“My heritage serves as a symbol of resiliency for me. I choose to acknowledge Black History Month by bringing awareness to the constant challenges we face and putting in the effort to motivate change.”
— Carren Harris-Grant, vascular ultrasound student

“Being an African American/Black American is all I know. To me, it means being resilient. It means having pride. It means having a strong foundation that arises from spirituality, showing love in difficult times, music, education and community. … For Black History Month, I will continue to honor the ones who came before me by remembering the sacrifices that were made to enable me to be here in the PNW and at MultiCare.”
— Aundrea Stormer, RN

What does a culture of belonging mean to you?

“A culture of belonging embraces and celebrates our unique heritage and traditions. We heal each other by sharing these within our community. One is not better than the other but we are complemented by each other. A culture of belonging addresses systems of power that are responsible for the continued repression of communities. A culture of belonging admits folly and takes steps to repair and heal the wounds.”
— Jennifer Vigil, health equity and impact manager

“Truly listening to other human beings’ needs and perspectives, regardless of their skin color or culture, while simultaneously acknowledging those needs.”
— Sarah Byron-Smith, privacy specialist

In your opinion, how can we best address health care disparities among Black Americans?

“I feel as if statistics need to be addressed when it comes to health care for Black Americans. According to CDC, in 2023 the mortality rate for Black women giving birth was three times higher compared to white, Hispanic and Asian women. Also, according to Pew Research Center article in 2022, 55 percent of Black adults had at least one negative experience … with doctors or other health care providers. Seventy-one percent of Black women ages 18-49 also reported at least one negative experience. … I believe health care needs to focus on bringing these numbers down.”
— Nerissa, distribution specialist

“To address health disparities among Black Americans — representation matters. By having more Black voices and allies to advocate for and to educate the community. Having more nurses, more physicians and more community leaders to support and to speak up even when it isn’t popular or cool to do so, always do the right thing — that means having integrity.”
— Aundrea Stormer, RN