A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - December 2018

World AIDS Day falls on December 1. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about AIDS and galvanizing worldwide support in the fight against HIV. Clinically identified in the United States in 1981, many scientific advances in treating HIV have allowed those infected to live longer and productive lives. However, there is still much work to be done. This World AIDS Day take some time to remember those who have been affected by the disease.

From the evening of December 2 to sundown on December 10, Jewish people across the world will celebrate Hanukkah. Also called Festival of Lights, this eight-day holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. Hanukah is celebrated with the lighting of the nine-branched menorah along with traditional songs, foods, prayers and gift exchanges. Hanukkah Sameach!" (Happy Hanukkah), to everyone in the Jewish community.

December 10 is International Human Rights Day. Observed by the international community, the day celebrates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. The document proclaimed the inalienable rights that everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, making this year's Human Rights Day particularly special. On this day, all of us are called upon to stand up for one another's rights and to reaffirm our commitment to common humanity.

December 25 is Christmas, a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas has evolved into a religious and secular holiday observed around the globe with a variety of traditions. Customs include completing an Advent calendar, singing Christmas carols, exchanging Christmas cards, attending church services and, most common, gathering with friends and family to exchange gifts and enjoy a special meal. To those of the Christian faith, I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Observed by many African Americans, Kwanza takes place from December 26 to January 1. First celebrated in 1966, this weeklong secular holiday honors African heritage in the African-American culture and culminates in a feast and gift giving. The name Kwanza comes from a Swahili phrase that means "first fruits of the harvest" and it honors the seven basic values of African culture: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The holiday is a time to reflect on and honor the enormous contributions of African American culture and heritage to our country.

Celebrated in almost every country in the world, New Year's Eve (December 31) is the oldest of all holidays. First observed in ancient Babylon some 4,000 years ago, it is a time of sharing with friends, remembering the past and hoping for good things in the future. During this last evening of the year, many will attend social gatherings, watch or light fireworks at midnight, or attend church services. Regardless of the way you ring in the New Year, I wish you a safe and joyous evening and all the best in 2019.

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.