A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - April 2019
This month, take some time to recognize the important contributions of Arab Americans, as we observe April as National Arab American Heritage Month. Arab Americans and Americans of Middle Eastern heritage have a long history in the United States. They represent a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, cultures and faiths, and have made significant contributions to our country through the arts, sciences, politics and education.
On April 7, we celebrate World Health Day, a health awareness day organized by the World Health Organization. It highlights a global health concern each year. This year's theme is universal health coverage. As healthcare workers at LifeBridge Health, this cause resonates with us all because it follows our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to the community. 
April 14 is Rama Navami, a spring Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of the Hindu god Rama. Rama is one of the most widely worshipped Hindu deities. On this day, followers of the Hindu religion will thoroughly clean and decorate their houses, prepare delicious dishes for others, pray, visit temples and read the story of Lord Rama. Moral reflection and being especially charitable to others is a major focus of this festival.
The Jewish holiday, Passover, begins the evening of April 19 and ends the evening of April 27. The seven- or eight-day festival (seven in Israel and in Reform Judaism, eight for Orthodox and Conservative Judaism) is a Jewish celebration of God liberating the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. According to tradition, when the Pharaoh refused to heed Moses' request to release the Israelites, God inflicted 10 plagues upon the ancient Egyptians, "passing over" the houses of the Israelites before the Pharaoh released his Israelite slaves. Each year, Jewish people around the world celebrate this gift of freedom by coming together to share the story of Passover and enjoy a ceremonial meal called a Seder.
Considered the most important Christian holiday, Easter takes place on April 21 (April 28 for Orthodox Christians). The holiday celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the central event in Christianity. To celebrate Easter, many will attend religious services and enjoy a festive meal with friends and family. Other traditions include holding egg hunts, decorating eggs, gifting Easter baskets and attending Easter parades.
April 22 is Earth Day, a global celebration of events focused on adopting environmentally friendly practices. First proposed by former Sen. Gaylord Nelson, the day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970-a call to action to raise public awareness of pollution and to bring environmental causes into the national spotlight. Looking for ways to "go green" to help the environment? Simply think of how you can implement the three Rs of waste management in your daily living: reduce the amount of waste you produce; reuse items whenever possible; and recycle.
At LifeBridge Health we celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same - our shared purpose of caring for communities together.