Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.
Aug. 31, 2012 OHA Director's messages on the web
To: All OHA employees
From: Bruce Goldberg, M.D., Director

Honoring your work on Labor Day

"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence"
~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday is Labor Day. Though we all welcome the day off and opportunity for a well-deserved three-day weekend, its significance is far greater.

Labor Day began in the late 1800s in New York City, to honor the economic and social contributions of workers. But you should be proud to know that Oregon was the first state to legally recognize the holiday in 1887.

Now, 125 years later, the need to recognize and celebrate the work you and workers across our state do is more important than ever. Over the past year, we have made enormous contributions to improving the health of our state. But for many of you, that has meant working harder than ever under extremely tight deadlines. Learning new skills and coordinating new initiatives. Managing multiple – and sometimes conflicting – priorities.

Sadly, today's public discourse is often quick to criticize and slow to recognize your achievements, contributions and efforts. We need to redouble our efforts and take more time to thank you for all you do. Not just on Labor Day, but each and every day.

On Monday, all across our country we will acknowledge the sacrifices and celebrate the achievement of workers. But please know that every day I am aware of and grateful for all you do to help us meet our mission. It is wonderful to have such talented and dedicated colleagues as all of you.

Please have a safe, fun and relaxing weekend with your friends and families.

OHA on the web