Erma Moore Embraces Shared Differences This Black History Month

Erma Moore, MSW, LCSW, is the Program Director of LVH–17th Street’s Mental Health Clinic with the department of psychiatry. She has worked at the clinic for seven years and within this community in the mental/behavioral health fields for 30-plus years. She is a member of the Actions Against Racism and Advancing Equity (AARAE) Council, where she served as the co-chair of the Colleague Voice Committee. She is a member of the African American/Black/Caribbean (ABC) Colleagues Aligned as Resources for Engagement and Support (CARES) Group. In the fall of 2023, she initiated the Department of Psychiatry Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee with the assistance of 11 other colleagues from the department. In her role, she hopes to bring more awareness and solutions for the health network’s DEI need areas, which impact patient and colleague populations and the community.

Black History Month reminds me of the existence of the generations before me who made sacrifices and/or contributions for people of color like me. These contributions have allowed me to have numerous opportunities. Black History Month reminds me there is still work to be done.

I am excited to have the ABC CARES Group as a resource and space to connect with and get to know people who are like me, as well as the allies of the group who support and embrace the differences within our health network. It is an opportunity to discuss areas that support diversity, equity and inclusion with others who may have greater understanding.

I connect with “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou. This piece reminds me of my own experiences and my instilled sense of determination, goal of overcoming and mindset of continuing to move forward.