A Message on Corporate Responsibility From Richard F. Pops, Alkermes CEO
![Headshot of Richard F. Pops Chief Executive Officer](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/RichardPops_Alkermes_101422.png)
Originally published in Alkermes 2021 Corporate Responsibility Report
The importance of corporate responsibility comes more sharply into focus with each passing year. The challenges we face as a global community are significant and growing as we grapple with the realities and impacts of systemic racism, political conflict, climate change and the lingering effects of a global pandemic.
In the face of these serious challenges, our team reminds us every day that people remain committed to helping one another. At Alkermes, we believe in taking action – and that many acts, both large and small, can eventually result in significant positive change. In that spirit, each year we work to build upon our efforts, not only in delivering medicines to patients who need them, but also in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. This report showcases our most recent efforts to enhance our performance as a responsible corporate citizen.
We are proud of the work across our business and, in particular, our efforts to advance our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) initiatives. As a member of Alkermes’ DIB Executive Committee, I see firsthand how committed our employees are to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging in our company.
One way we are increasing our diversity, inclusion and belonging efforts is through the expansion of our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). In 2021, we launched two new ERGs – Limitless, which is dedicated to creating an accessible and inclusive community for people who are impacted by disability or illness, and Operation Salute, which recognizes and supports veterans and their family members. These new ERGs join our Women Inspired Network, Mosaic and Pride@Work ERGs in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees and demonstrating the importance and strength of diversity.
While we take pride in the progress we have made within our organization, we are cognizant of and greatly concerned by the effect that systemic racism continues to have on our global community and, more specifically, on the patient communities within our therapeutic areas of focus. Widespread healthcare inequity, particularly in under-resourced and underrepresented communities, has a significant impact on people living with serious mental illness, addiction and cancer. We strive to help reduce these inequities through advocacy, grant programs, volunteerism and efforts to enhance our clinical trial diversity.
We invite you to continue reading to learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives and other important corporate responsibility efforts. These efforts include our focus on operating our business and our facilities in a sustainable and socially responsible manner, our work to develop appropriate short- and long-term goals that may help reduce our environmental footprint, our commitment to compliance and strong corporate governance practices, our efforts to support employee health, safety and well-being, our dedication to people living with serious mental illness, addiction and cancer, and our support of organizations that advocate for them.
The idea that companies can and should play a positive role in society remains central to our vision. Our team has found strength in shared values and unity in pursuit of great science. We’ve made forward strides, but recognize that our work is just beginning and that we must remain dedicated to continuous improvement.
Richard F. Pops
Chief Executive Officer
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