A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer - December 2021

At LifeBridge Health, we embrace diversity, and these monthly 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 our communities together.

As a testament to LifeBridge Health's commitment to
supporting diversity and inclusion, we are happy to announce that Richard Finger has been
appointed as LifeBridge Health's Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D, E, & I).
In this newly created position, Richard will be responsible for implementing and executing goals
associated with the LifeBridge Health D, E, & I strategy in areas such as recruitment and
selection, procurement partnerships, community and population health, patient experience and
more. He will craft and facilitate company-wide D, E, & I training and other programs to
promote cultural understanding with all LifeBridge Health team members. Richard will continue
leading the LifeBridge Health Inclusion & Diversity Council and will maintain oversight of our
established Employee Resource Groups and future new groups.

As for our Diversity Message for December, here are some recognition days to remember.

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.

Much progress has been made since 1981 when AIDS was first clinically identified in the United
States and 1983 when HIV infection was identified as its cause. Thanks to advances in medicine,
people with HIV can live full and healthy lives with the disease. To recognize World AIDS Day,
everyone is encouraged to wear a red ribbon to show their support of people living with HIV and
to remember those who have died of the disease. LifeBridge Health has also partnered with
FreeState Justice, a Maryland LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, to hold a Lunch and Learn
virtual program on HIV/AIDS. More information will be provided in Alluser emails.

The Jewish festival Hanukkah ends the evening of December 6 (it began on November 28).
Also, known as the Festival of Lights, this eight-day Jewish holiday commemorates the
rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. The holiday is
celebrated by 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, we celebrate International Human Rights Day, the day on which the United
Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The
document outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms to which everyone is inherently entitled
to as human beings. To recognize the day, political conferences and meetings are normally held
as well as cultural events and exhibitions dealing with human rights issues.

Get ready for colder months ahead because winter officially begins on December 21 with the
winter solstice. This day will have the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year in 
the northern hemisphere. For those who follow the Pagan religion, the winter solstice is a time to
celebrate the return of the sun and the renewal of light. Some traditions include decorating homes
with lights, mistletoe, hollies and wreaths. Trees are also decorated, gifts exchanged, and family
and friends typically gather to enjoy feasts.

On December 25, Christians around the globe will celebrate Christmas, a day commemorating
the birth of Jesus Christ. As a religious and secular holiday, the day will be observed with a
variety of traditions such as caroling, exchanging holiday gifts, attending church services and
gathering with friends and family. However, you decide to celebrate, I wish you a safe, healthy
and warm holiday.

The day after Christmas is also an official public holiday in other parts of the world. On
December 26, Boxing Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom, many European countries, and
in former British colonies such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It is said to
have originated in Britain, when lords of the manor and aristocrats distributed boxes of small
gifts to their household servants and staff who were also given the day off to be with their
families.

From December 26 to January 1, Kwanza, a cultural holiday, 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.

On the last evening of the year (December 31), we celebrate New Year's Eve. People will enjoy
the evening by watching fireworks at midnight, attending church services or watching the ball
drop on Times Square in New York City. Some may also take time to reflect on events of the
past year and look forward to the start of a new one. I'm proud of what we've accomplished
together as a team this year and look forward to the many milestones and achievements in store
for us next year. Here's to a happy, safe and healthy 2022!

Thank you for the commitment you make every day to CARE BRAVELY and live our
LifeBridge Health values.