Dear Spring Attendee,
On behalf of The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), we want to acknowledge concerns that have been raised about hosting SHEA Spring 2025 in Florida, particularly the stance by prominent state leaders on diversity, healthcare access, and LGBTQ+ rights. We understand that some individuals may struggle with the decision to attend the conference based on the current environment in Florida. Please know that SHEA understands and respects the diverse opinions represented by our membership and we are committed to creating a conference space that feels safe and accepting to all attendees.
We encourage you to attend the conference as you can utilize this as an opportunity to raise awareness and mobilize support for issues in order to be an advocate and an ally. To support this, the program planning committee has identified opportunities for actions you can take:
Raise Awareness Within the Conference: By attending the conference, you can utilize various platforms such as panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities to raise awareness about the intersection of LGBTQA+ rights, reproductive rights, individual rights, and related patient safety issues as they relate to our role as healthcare epidemiologists, public health officers, infection preventionists and antimicrobial stewards.
Create a Safe and Inclusive Space for Everyone: Seek out fellow attendees who share your concerns and collaborate on joint initiatives to support social justice goals related to infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship. Use this as an opportunity to form alliances and create a united front with colleagues to foster partnerships and create inclusive networks that you can incorporate in your work after the conference to help address these critical issues.
Additionally, we want to highlight that SHEA Spring 2025 will be hosted at a resort committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all attendees. We are working closely with the Omni Orlando Resort to ensure that the conference space and accommodations are inclusive and respectful, ensuring a positive atmosphere throughout your stay.
Donate to LGBTQA+ Organizations Working in Florida: By donating to these local organizations, you can directly contribute to initiatives that promote inclusivity, fight discrimination, and provide critical resources and services to the LGBTQA+ community. Your support can help empower individuals, foster education and awareness, and advocate for positive change – beyond the bedside.
Engage with Florida Politicians: Writing personalized letters to Florida politicians expressing your concerns about legislation can have a meaningful impact.
This decision is highly personal. We deeply respect the choices you make in attending this conference or not feeling enough safety to attend a conference in Florida. The commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming conference environment by SHEA Board members, the SHEA Spring Planning Committee, and SHEA staff remains steadfast. We are dedicated towards providing a safe and respectful space for meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collective action.
Thank you for your support, engagement, and commitment to promoting equality and inclusion. We look forward to your participation in the conference and the positive impact we can make together. We are excited to see what positive impact this conference can have beyond our educational offerings.
Sincerely,
Mike Stevens, MD, MPH
Chair
West Virginia University
Ibukun Kalu, MD
Vice Chair
Duke University
