A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - December 2020
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. 
In 1981, the disease was first clinically identified in the United States, and in 1983, scientists identified HIV infection as its cause. World AIDS Day was first established in 1988. To recognize the day at LifeBridge Health, ribbons and bracelets will be available at the screening areas at all our affiliated hospitals. We invite you to wear one in support of those affected by AIDS. We also encourage you to learn more about AIDS research, by clicking here to listen to a special AIDS 2020 virtual session.
Hanukkah begins the evening of December 10 and ends at sundown on December 18. Celebrated by Jewish people across the world, this eight-day holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. Hanukkah traditions include reciting prayers, lighting the menorah, exchanging gifts and enjoying customary foods such as potato latkes, sufganiyah (round jelly doughnuts) and challah bread.
On December 10, the international community will observe International Human Rights Day to commemorate when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This milestone document outlined the fundamental rights and freedoms to which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being.
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. To followers of the Pagan religion, winter solstice marks the beginning of the Yule. Many observe it as the birthday of the sun and the renewal or celebration of light. Traditions include decorating homes with lights, mistletoe, holly and wreaths. Trees are also decorated, gifts exchanged, and family and friends typically gather to enjoy feasts.
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. While many traditions such as singing Christmas carols and exchanging holiday cards and gifts may remain the same, due to the pandemic, many will opt to attend church services, and gather with friends and family virtually. However you decide to celebrate Christmas, I wish you a safe and happy holiday.
I wish the same for those who celebrate Kwanza, which takes place from December 26 to January 1. Kwanza is observed by many African Americans and in 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 honors the seven basic values of African culture: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
The day after Christmas (December 26) is known as Boxing Day, an official public holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom, many European countries, and in former British colonies such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It's theorized that the holiday originated in Britain when lords of the manor and aristocrats distributed "Christmas boxes," often filled with small gifts, money and leftovers from Christmas dinner, to their household servants and staff who were also given the day off to be with their families. Today, Boxing Day is celebrated as a day to spend time with family, relax and watch televised sports. It's also considered a shopping holiday much like Black Friday in the United States.
On December 31, New Year's Eve, we celebrate the last evening of the year. It's the oldest of all holidays recognized in almost every country in the world. On New Year's Eve, many will watch or light fireworks at midnight, some will take time to remember events of the past year and look forward to the beginning of the next. The pandemic has made 2020 a year that will always be remembered, and, despite our challenges, I am confident that LifeBridge Health will continue to deliver the highest quality care to the people in our communities. I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2021!
At LifeBridge Health, we embrace diversity, and these monthly Diversity messages are meant to recognize and celebrate the richness of our team members' cultures and that of our country. We celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same-our shared purpose of caring for communities together.
Thank you for the commitment you make every day to CARE BRAVELY and live our LifeBridge Health values.
Neil M. Meltzer
President & Chief Executive Officer
LifeBridge Health