A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - December 2019

December 1 is World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), showing support for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and remembering those who have died of the disease. World AIDS Day was first established in 1988, following years of AIDS-related deaths around the globe.  In 1981, the disease was first clinically identified in the United States and in 1983, scientists identified its cause-HIV infection. Since that time major advances in treating HIV/AIDS have allowed people with HIV to live longer and productive lives. While there is still much work to be done, research to find a cure continues.

The international community will observe International Human Rights Day on December 10.  The day celebrates the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This milestone document proclaimed the inalienable rights that everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being. 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.

Winter officially begins on December 21 with the Winter Solstice. It's technically the day when we have the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere.  For many who follow the Pagan religion, the winter solstice marks the beginning of the Yule, and many Pagans observe it as the birthday of the sun and the renewal or celebration of light. As such, many homes will be decorated in lights, mistletoe, holly and wreaths. Trees also are decorated, gifts are exchanged, and family and friends gather to enjoy feasts.

From the evening of December 22 to sundown on December 30, 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. During Hanukkah, people will recite prayers, exchange gifts and eat traditional foods such as potato latkes, sufganiyot (round jelly doughnuts) and challah bread. To everyone in the Jewish community, "Hanukkah Sameach!" (Happy Hanukkah).

December 25 is Christmas, the Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is observed around the world as a religious and secular holiday 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.

From December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa is observed by many African Americans. It is a time to reflect on and honor the enormous contributions of African American culture to our country. First celebrated in 1966, Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in America and other nations of the African diaspora to honor African heritage. 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.

December 31 is New Year's Eve, the oldest of all holidays celebrated in almost every country in the world. During this last evening of the year, many will attend social gatherings, watch or light fireworks at midnight, or attend church services. It is a time of sharing with friends, remembering the past and looking forward to good things in the future. LifeBridge Health has much to look forward to as we celebrate our growing family. Whatever you choose to do to ring in the new year, here's to a happy and healthy 2020!

Thank you for the commitment you make every day to Care Bravely and live our LifeBridge Health values. Our Respect value is crucial to promoting both Diversity and Inclusion. There continues to be divisive dialogue throughout the country; and while we can't control what happens outside of LifeBridge Health, inside of LifeBridge Health we celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same-our shared purpose of caring for our communities together.