By Russell Barksdale, Ph.D.
The phrase “to whom much is given, much is expected” is one I often hear from friends and colleagues. Yet the original text is far more profound: “To whom much is given, much is required.” That single word—required— carries the weight of obligation. It reminds us that influence and affluence are not rewards but responsibilities. Privilege carries an expectation—not of perfection, but of participation, compassion, and courage.
Our community stands as a model of success in many ways. We are blessed with one of the finest public school systems in the region, yet many families still seek private or specialized educational programs elsewhere. We are home to remarkable restaurants and renowned chefs, yet our food pantries face record demand for food insecure families. We are surrounded by wealth and generosity, yet more seniors than ever rely on charity care to assure access to even the most basic healthcare services. These contradictions defy easy explanation and demand more than polite sympathy.
Our population continues to grow as families arrive in search of safety, opportunity, and belonging. At the same time, long-established residents quietly leave, drawn to lower taxes or more affordable retirements elsewhere. These patterns, though not new, challenge the balance and vitality of our community. They remind us that prosperity cannot be sustained if it is not shared, and that true strength lies not in our income brackets, but in our capacity to care for one another.
A truly healthy community is not measured by property values, economic output, or the glow of prosperity alone. It is one where people thrive physically, mentally, socially, and economically—supported by systems that promote safety, equity, and belonging. It is a place where residents feel connected, valued, and empowered to participate in shaping their collective future. It invests in prevention as much as in treatment, in inclusion as much as in innovation, and in the longterm well-being of generations yet to come.
To achieve this vision, we must move beyond awareness to action. Terms such as “preventive care,” “social determinants of health,” and “multigenerational wel l-being” are not abstractions—they are the pillars of a compassionate and sustainable society. They remind us that access to nutritious food, preventive care, supportive care, mental health care, and meaningful social connection are not privileges but prerequisites for a thriving population.
We cannot ignore what we know to be true: that domestic violence continues to devastate families; that untreated mental illness isolates and destroys potential; that our children face pressures unimaginable a generation ago; and that too many of our seniors, who once gave so much, now face uncertainty in their later years. What is visible to us is only the surface of a deeper and broader challenge.
History teaches that early intervention—whether in medicine, education, or community support—offers the best outcomes. Acting early to prevent a crisis is far more humane, effective, and affordable than responding after harm has taken root. Waiting until problems become pervasive is not stewardship; it is abdication of our shared duty.
We have all witnessed the destructive influence of engineered cannabis, fentanyl, and synthetic opioids— substances that have ravaged families and stolen futures. We have seen how the unrelenting forces of social media distort our children’s sense of identity and self-worth, amplifying insecurities and promoting false ideals. While we cannot undo every loss, we can prevent more. Avoiding even one tragedy— one life or one childhood lost—is reason enough to give our best.
We have the tools, the talent, and the compassion to make meaningful change. What remains is the will to act—to look beyond individual success and see our collective health as the truest measure of progress.
Can we recommit ourselves to this higher calling? Are we able to act early, boldly, and act together? For to whom much is given, much is not merely expected—it is, and always has been, required.
Russell R. Barksdale, Jr. Ph.D., MPA/MHA, FACHE is President & CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network.
