A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer - February 2022
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.
In February, we celebrate Black History Month to recognize the contributions and achievements of African Americans in a variety of fields such as medicine, science, law, entertainment and the arts.
Officially designated in the U.S. in 1976, the need to recognize the contributions of African Americans originated in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History lobbied for a weeklong commemoration of African American contributions and history. The second week of February was chosen because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
During the month, events and programs will be held throughout the community to raise awareness of the struggles African Americans have faced and overcome throughout history. We also will celebrate the many first African Americans to break racial barriers, Black pioneers whose inventions continue to impact our lives today, and much more.
February 1 is Imbolc or (Saint) Brigid's Day, a festival that marks the beginning of spring for those who follow the Celtic tradition or pagan-influenced religion. Imbolc traditions highlight aspects representing the winter's end and welcomes sunlight and the warmer temperatures to come in the spring. Customs practiced on this day include putting candles in windows to encourage the sun to return faster, enjoying special foods and holding outdoor bonfires.
The Chinese New Year (also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) also begins on February 1; 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. Considered China's most important holiday, the Chinese New Year is celebrated in China, East Asian and Southeast Asian countries (Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand), and in Chinatowns around the world.
Traditional customs to celebrate the holiday include decorating homes, watching fireworks, giving gifts and enjoying a family feast.
On Valentine's Day (February 14), many will recognize and celebrate their loved ones or friends with gifts, cards, flowers and chocolate. But while such symbols of love are considered the norm in Western countries, in other countries it is celebrated differently. For example, Wales celebrates Valentine's Day (Jan. 25) with couples exchanging "love spoons," ornate wooden utensils featuring symbols to express their feelings. In the Philippines, mass wedding ceremonies with hundreds of couples exchanging or renewing their vows is a popular tradition. And in South Africa, young people pin a piece of paper with the name of their partner or crush to their clothes. What do you have planned for that special someone on Valentine's Day?
February 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. As the name suggests, the day is designed to encourage everyone to spread kindness to others. Whether it's with friendly gestures, thoughtful words or actions, your kindness makes a huge impact on others. As LifeBridge Health team members, we consistently demonstrate our kindness to patients through our high-quality care. We also encourage everyone to spread their kindness to team members through our Bravo! Rewards Incentive Program where you can send recognition Bravo! Points to colleagues to redeem along with a personalized message.
Between February 24 and February 28, followers of the Baháʼà Faith will celebrate the Festival of Ayyám-i-Há. During this period, BaháʼÃs will honor God and his oneness by showing love, fellowship and unity. Traditions include being hospitable, exchanging gifts, giving generously to the poor and needy, and preparing for the 19-day fasting (The Bahá'à Fast) that begins March 1.
Thank you for the commitment you make every day to CARE BRAVELY and live our LifeBridge Health values.