Cohen Veterans Network Statement by Dr. Anthony Hassan

The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, are truly an American tragedy. Cohen Veterans Network condemns these acts and stands against systems that have for too long oppressed and devalued the lives of Black Americans and people of color. As an organization, we commit to speaking out against prejudice and injustice, supporting our communities as they seek to heal, and working together to develop meaningful solutions. While we in no way claim to have the answers, we are listening, and we are taking a series of initial steps beginning today, including:

– CVN is hosting a series of town hall meetings with the central office and clinic staff in order to better understand employee concerns about inclusion at CVN and in serving our clients of various backgrounds, and how we can make a more significant impact in the communities we serve;
– CVN will launch a support forum at a national level through our CVN Presents website where we will invite experts on race, diversity, and inclusion to provide perspectives on how communities can become more inclusive;
– CVN will also launch educational resources in local clinic markets on how to talk with children about race to build tolerance in the long term;
– We are exploring how we can leverage our expertise in mental health to offer support groups for those who are suffering;
– On June 26, CVN is encouraging a Day of Giving for all employees so they can take time to serve in their communities.

This is just the beginning, and we know there is so much more to be done. I hope you will join us as we strive to learn and make lasting change in our communities.
Sincerely,

 

Anthony M. Hassan, Ed.D, LCSW
Chief Executive Officer & President
Cohen Veterans Network