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Moral health is the understanding of the systems and structures that shape our world and actively working to create a more just and equitable society. As Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated, "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." However, with a staggering 4 trillion dollars the temptation to bend away from morality in healthcare can be strong. It is our duty to ensure that the arc of the moral health universe remains steadfast, guided by values and principles, not just by the pursuit of ego and wealth.

In healthcare, it's a heartbreaking reality that the system is rigged against those who it is built to serve. The ones who are already struggling with their health, the ones who are fighting for their lives, are often being robbed. This is not just for patients, but for the dedicated and hardworking health workforce as well. The system is failing them too. We must recognize how broken it all is. Are we taking time to pause and really reflect on what is actually going on in healthcare beyond just attempting to fix it? If we don’t create room for critical reflection, we aren’t going to be capable of building solutions strong enough to transform the system.

As an NYC nurse for over a decade, I've witnessed heartbreak, pain, and helplessness every day. It's taken an immense toll on me and left me feeling overwhelmed, unsure of how to process the traumatic events I've encountered. As a patient, I've struggled to deal with my own emotional turmoil during my illness, feeling lost and helpless. And as a caregiver, I've been torn between being polite and being an advocate for my loved ones, navigating the healthcare system's labyrinth with no clear answers. The reality is, the healthcare system is a mess and it breaks my heart.

The mission of Moral Health is to gather people who see the importance of storytelling and introspection in advancing healthcare systems. We won't shy away from the challenges in the industry, even if it means facing very uncomfortable truths and spilling very hot tea.

As a nurse, I have witnessed healthcare leaders champion change, but too often prioritize their own ambitions over the greater good. It's clear that many leaders lack the reflective tools necessary for making responsible and transformative decisions. How can you make a connected decision if you are not even connected with yourself? In my experience, there’s an inverse correlation. That's why I believe that by prioritizing self-awareness and storytelling, we can tap into our creativity and humanity, and build the cognitive capacity needed to bring moral health to healthcare.

This Substack is a smoke signal for individuals who seek to bring about change in the healthcare industry. This community provides a space for individuals who are dedicated to improving the healthcare system through a diverse range of approaches, such as deep listening, constructive conflict, restorative practices, contemplation, and balancing innovation and tradition. This community is for those who are truly invested in the healthcare industry and are determined to create change not only within institutions but also within themselves.

By joining this community, we strive to create a more equitable and just healthcare system and world. Here, we will have conversations about healthcare in various perspectives, both critical and personal, spiritual and humorous. We will explore the interplay between healthcare, individuals, and society. We will delve into healthcare from all the views available to me as a queer nurse in Brooklyn - a perspective that may diverge a wee bit from what you are accustomed to hearing. And hopefully, this change in who holds the healthcare mic will be a positive one. The more voices singing healthcare karaoke, the more fun it will be. I promise.

As stakeholders in the healthcare system, our voices hold a great deal of influence and can play a crucial role in driving positive change. One way to tap into this power is by utilizing the principles of narrative medicine, which recognizes the transformative power of storytelling. By taking the time to examine the narratives that play out every day in healthcare, we can gain a deeper and more personal understanding of the impact healthcare has on us, as well as the impact we have on it.

By pausing to deeply listen or write your story, you have the opportunity to not only process and make meaning of your experiences, but also to impact the lives of others. Engaging with narratives has the power to inspire, comfort, and provide hope to those who may be trying to move through similar experiences. It can also contribute to the creation of a culture and systems that prioritize empathy, compassion, and ethical decision-making in healthcare. Going inward to change external systems is an act of bravery and vulnerability that has the potential to make a lasting impact. So why not take this chance to use narratives to strengthen your capacity for good and healing? The arc of the moral universe is long for us all.

Here are three ways to get involved with Moral Health:

* Read and engage with our content by subscribing to our substack.

* Reflect and grow with our narrative medicine prompts, either in your personal journal or by sharing in the comments section below.

* Submit your story or artwork to be featured on the substack and inspire others and be part of shaping a better healthcare future for all.

So, whether you stumbled upon this substack through a random search or by word of mouth, you've somehow found my smoke signal. Stay awhile, we need one another.

— Michelle

AI + Narrative Medicine Exercises: Free Your Mind

Take a seven minutes to reflect and use these AI-generated images and prompts to journal or share your thoughts in the comments below - feel free to stray from the prompts if they are not helpful.

Image #1

Prompt #1: Write about the complexities of balancing the stress of a demanding life situation with the need for self-care, ritual, or healing.

Image #2

Prompt #2: Reflect on the implications of prioritizing personal financial gain over the basic needs and health of others.

Image #3

Prompt #3: How do images and stories in the media shape our ideas about different groups in healthcare?

I’d love to read your reflections below!

Thanks for stopping by, friends.

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