Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System Hosts Martin Luther King Jr. Day De-Escalation Seminar
February 01, 2024
It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate Through Nonviolence
Baton Rouge, LA - Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) is excited to share the success of our Martin Luther King Jr. Day De-Escalation Seminar, held on Monday, January 15. The virtual seminar, aimed at promoting community well-being through effective conflict resolution, was well-received by attendees.
The seminar featured an engaging presentation by Pokey Anders, director of security and emergency preparedness at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, on de-escalation techniques, emphasizing the principles of empathy, communication, and understanding. The seminar aligned with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day theme appointed by the King Center, Shifting the Cultural Climate Through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.
"We are thrilled to have hosted a seminar aligned with Dr. King's vision of a harmonious and understanding community," Anders said. "The enthusiastic participation from our team members underscores the importance of fostering positive communication and resolving conflicts peacefully."
The 200 healthcare professionals across the ministry who attended the seminar expressed their appreciation for the practical tools provided to handle challenging situations effectively.
“This seminar is a testament to our ongoing efforts to build a community that embraces differences and prioritizes understanding,” said Tina Schaffer, FMOLHS Vice President of Talent Strategy and Chief Diversity Officer. “We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and heard. Through initiatives like these, we are shaping a future that honors diversity, promotes equity, and celebrates the richness of our collective experiences.”
As a continuation of our commitment to community well-being, the health system will continue to host follow-up workshops and resources focused on de-escalation skills. These initiatives aim to empower individuals with practical tools for conflict resolution in their daily lives.
To learn more about Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and its commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit fmolhs.org/dei.
About the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System is one of the largest healthcare systems based in Louisiana and is the leading healthcare provider for more than half the state’s population. The health system is a non-profit, Catholic organization sponsored by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the ministry serves patients in Louisiana and Mississippi through a network of hospitals, clinics, physicians and integrated health systems. The health system’s unified physician organization is comprised of more than 1,100 adult and pediatric primary care physicians and specialists. The system’s nine main campus hospitals include St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge and Gonzales, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Heart Hospital, and Women's & Children's Hospital in Lafayette, Our Lady of the Angels in Bogalusa, and St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. For more information, visit fmolhs.org.