As a leadership team – and even more so, as human beings – we wanted to acknowledge the heartbreaking events of this past week which have left people and communities grieving across the United States. We’re horrified by the unspeakable tragedy of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, and dismayed at the unfathomable actions that have followed.

Unfortunately, these events aren’t without recent or historic precedent. Far too often as a society, we find ourselves offering expressions of sympathy and condolences for those affected most directly – and struggle to identify ways to prevent these senseless tragedies from repeating themselves.

Right now, the national dialogue in the United States is focused on Minneapolis, but these events impact us all because they shake to the core fundamental notions that we hold so dear – that no one in our country should be subjected to unjust treatment merely because of who they are, what they believe, or what they look like. When those basic principles are violated, we all feel a sense of loss and sadness for ourselves, our children, and our country.

We wish we had more answers to offer – unfortunately, we don’t. What we do have is a resolute belief – as leaders, as parents, as neighbors, and as humans – in setting the right example. A resolute belief in the diversity, inclusion, caring and empathy we value so deeply as a Cigna community. As leaders of this community, we view acts of intolerance as not only unacceptable, but as the antithesis of everything we stand for as a responsible global organization and health service leader, committed to improving the health, well-being, and peace of mind of those we serve.

As a leadership team, we stand firmly together to restate Cigna’s commitment to our core values and all that they imply. We are also committed to ensuring our own Cigna community continues to advance an inclusive culture that is powerfully diverse, strives for equity, and values and celebrates our unique differences.

We have an opportunity as a Cigna team to continue setting the right example – in how we serve our communities, and in our interactions with each other. To be compassionate and empathetic. To acknowledge the pain so many are living with right now. To take the initiative to ask a colleague, “How are you?” To simply listen, and try to understand.

And, please know that if you or someone you know needs help coping emotionally, you aren’t alone. We have each other and Cigna has many resources to support you.

We are grateful for the work you do, and for the values you embody every day.