mmpressreleasefinal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Contact:
Mary M. Bruner
Vice President­Corporate Communications
540.809.9207
email: marymbruner@gmail.com
Bon Secours Richmond Announces its Support of The Redskins’ Name
RICHMOND, VA ­­ ​In light of recent controversy over the name of the Washington Redskins,
Bon Secours Richmond Health System has announced that it supports the continued use of the
name “Redskins.” Bon Secours Richmond Health System decided in a conference on Monday,
October 6, 2014, that the organization will stand behind Dan Snyder and his campaign to keep
the name.
Bon Secours’ decided to support the Washington Redskins because we feel that the name honors
Native Americans of the past, present, and future.“The decision to support the Redskins came
from Bon Secours’ appreciation for the rich history of the team,” said Peter Bernard, Chief
Executive Officer of Bon Secours Richmond Health System, “We know that many people have
strong feelings about the issue, but, in the end, we have to support what we feel is morally
correct: keeping the name the team has used for many years.”
Bon Secours and the Washington Redskins, while vastly different, share a common theme. Both
institutions have names rooted in appreciation for its founders. Much like Bon Secours, a name
that honors its founders, the Sisters of Bon Secours, the Washington Redskins originally picked

the name to honor its first head coach, Lone Star Dietz, and who was a Sioux Indian. Bon
Secours feels that the name honors its first beloved head coach, and is not meant as a racial slur
towards Native Americans.
“Redskins” has become a household name over the years. Having the well­known name on a
facility in Richmond has drawn a record­breaking amount of fans to the city. In its first year, the
facility broke the NFL’s training camp attendance record with more than 165,000 fans attending
the camp. This record­breaking number of fans, because of the Redskins’ name, generates
revenue for small businesses in the area.
Bon Secours Richmond Health System recognizes that there are people who find the name
offensive and would like it to be changed to a more neutral name. However, we believe that the
name conveys the image of a powerhouse team that is loved by many in our area and throughout
the nation.
“Over the two years of partnership with the Washington Redskins, we at Bon Secours Richmond
Health System have come to love the team and its many fans. We will continue to support Dan
Snyder in his efforts to preserve the long­standing name. We sincerely hope that the issue can be
resolved so that the team can continue playing the game that they love, and so that we can
continue to provide a safe, fun environment for fans to interact with their team.”
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About Bon Secours Health System
Bon Secours Health System, Inc. based in Marriottsville, Maryland, is a $3.3 billion
dollar not­for­profit Catholic health system that owns, manages or joint ventures 19 acute
care, 5 long term care, 4 assisted living, 6 retirement communities/senior housing, 14

home care and hospice services, and other facilities, primarily on the East Coast. Bon
Secours Health System consists of more than 21,000 caregivers helping people in six
states. Its vision is to be a prophetic Catholic health ministry partnering with
communities to create a more humane world, build health and social justice and provide
exceptional value for those served. For more information, go to www.bshsi.org.