Meeting people where they are

 In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges, deepening health disparities, and evolving patient expectations, healthcare institutions bear the profound responsibility of serving as sanctuaries of hope for society’s most vulnerable populations. Healthcare providers are uniquely entrusted with the sacred duty of caring for individuals when they are at their most fragile—physically, emotionally, and spiritually— regardless of their circumstances, background, or ability to pay. 

As the design team for the new JPS hospital campus, we recognize the extraordinary opportunity before us to create environments that will touch and profoundly impact every single person who crosses our threshold, whether patient, family member, or healthcare professional. Our design philosophy is anchored in the fundamental principle to “meet people where they are,” ensuring that regardless of their cultural background, socioeconomic status, language, or life circumstances, every individual feels genuinely welcomed, inherently safe, and authentically empowered to embark on their journey toward healing and transformation. As Jill Bolte Taylor wisely observed, “Although many of us may think of ourselves as thinking creatures that feel, biologically we are feeling creatures that think.” This truth underscores our commitment to creating spaces that honor the dignity and humanity of all who seek care within our walls.