UnitedHealth Group CEO urges employees to improve healthcare access for all following tragic shooting.

On Wednesday, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group in Minnetonka, Minnesota, offered words of encouragement to the health care corporation, one day after the funeral of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was killed in a targeted shooting in New York City last week.

On Dec. 4, a 50-year-old man was shot from behind on the sidewalk outside a New York City Hilton hotel before a shareholder conference.

On Monday, Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a five-day nationwide search for Thompson's murderer.

Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, posted an uplifting message to his colleagues during challenging circumstances.

This week has been incredibly challenging, as our company mourns the loss of Brian, who was laid to rest on Monday afternoon. Colleagues gathered in Minnesota to celebrate his life yesterday. Brian's life was full and impactful, positively affecting so many people he never even met. Despite never knowing them personally, he deeply cared about these individuals.

Brian was one of the smartest and best guys. Many have said that we’re all a little better for knowing him. As we begin to move forward, the best way to honor his life and all that he stood for is to carry on his legacy by continuing to do right by the people who’ve entrusted us with their care and those who are counting on us to take care of their loved ones. Witty added.

It is our responsibility to fulfill our commitment to improve healthcare for all individuals, regardless of the circumstances. We will continue to be present for those who brought their children to clinics today, as well as for the sickest and most vulnerable among us, whose homes our nurses and caseworkers visit. We will ensure that medications are filled, infusions are administered, and individuals can navigate their therapies for the rarest states of disease.

Our company is committed to providing support to individuals who require screenings, scans, and surgery. We will also be there for those who are recovering from hospital stays, offering emotional support as they regain their strength. Our daily operations involve a range of tasks, including processing claims, handling calls, and answering questions. All of these tasks are carried out with the utmost attention to quality and the promise of improving healthcare for everyone.

I am proud to be part of an organization that does so much good for so many and to work alongside some of the most compassionate, dedicated, and brilliant people in healthcare. I hope you feel the same. Our patients, customers, partners, and clients rely on us to be at our best every day, next week, next month, and next year.

"Remember always: Your actions have a significant impact. There is no greater purpose than assisting others. Health care is the most critical aspect of the human experience," Witty stated. Despite the challenging times, patients, clients, and customers have been sending us hope through their numerous phone calls, messages, comments, and emails expressing sympathy, appreciation, and motivation. I believe you may find solace and resilience in the words below.

Andrew signed off, reminding everyone to take care of themselves, their teams, and their loved ones. He assured them that they would continue to take every possible precaution to ensure their safety and support, because they could count on him and his team to be there for them too.

This report was contributed to by Mollie Markowitz, Andrea Margolis, and Sophia Compton of Planet Chronicle Digital.