In a separate statement, Goettel agreed. “Targeting the Somali community for a broad set of economic challenges that face the medical industry right now is not only ignorant and hurtful,” she said, “but it’s a distraction from the important work we do daily as a safety net hospital to offer the highest level of care for all people, including our immigrant neighbors.”
In an email to hospital leaders obtained through a public records request, Fernando, who also sits on HCMC’s board, questioned whether hospital staffers played a role in characterizing new immigrants’ impact on HCMC’s budget.
HCMC CEO Jennifer DeCubellis said management does not negatively characterize the community the hospital serves and that Apland’s comments were intended to provide context about why HCMC needs county help paying for uncompensated care.
Hospital officials noted that all employees are required to take antiracism training. Similar training is available to board members, but not required.
“We are doubling down to say our job as the safety net hospital is to get racism out of health care and that means all of us doing our part,” DeCubellis said.
As the county’s safety net hospital, HCMC treats all members of the community, regardless of their ability to pay. It receives a taxpayer subsidy from Hennepin County to help cover the cost of uncompensated care.
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