Message from President and CEO Mike Slubowski to Trinity Health Colleagues on the Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

Livonia, Michigan, March 19, 2021 — In a message to Trinity Health colleagues across 22 states, President and CEO Mike Slubowski today wrote:

Dear Colleagues,

As a healing ministry, we recognize that the guilty verdict against Officer Chauvin upholds the importance of every human life, demonstrates that George Floyd’s life mattered, and signals to our communities that Black lives matter.

We pray for the Floyd family and those who were close to Mr. Floyd, police officers, all jurors, judges and attorneys, and this nation.

We also pray for Mr. Chauvin and his family. The fact that Mr. Chauvin committed a grave injustice towards Mr. Floyd does not relieve us of the obligation to treat him with dignity.

We support and stand by our criminal justice system in the decision that was made in this case. This verdict gives us hope that we will see justice and just outcomes in other similar cases.

At Trinity Health, we serve in the spirit of the Gospel with compassion for all members of our communities. We honor, respect and value all human life. We seek the elimination of systemic racism. While the verdict in this case served a measure of justice through the court system, we must continue to advocate for criminal justice reform at the local level. Our advocacy efforts to ensure accountability and respect for humanity are aligned with our Core Value of Reverence.

We remain hopeful that our efforts will lead to change that will prevent this type of injustice from occurring in the future. We also encourage all health care leaders to stand up for justice and equality throughout our nation.

For all colleagues, our families, and our communities, we share the words of Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

May you find peace in your heart and resilience in your mind over the coming days.

Mike Slubowski