A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - July 2017

On July 4, Independence Day, we commemorate the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which states that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Throughout our nation's history, brave women and men have worked, and continue to work tirelessly and often with great sacrifice, to ensure that all Americans benefit from these words.

Philippine Republic Day, or Filipino-American Friendship Day, is also celebrated on July 4. A U.S. territory since 1898, the Philippines gained independence and sovereignty from the United States in 1946 following President Harry S. Truman's announcement of the withdrawal of all American forces. More than 70 years later, the friendship and partnership between our countries continue with Filipinos supporting the United States' international foreign efforts as a major non-NATO ally, and more recently, in the war on terror.

Nelson Mandela International Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009 and is celebrated on July 18, the late South African leader's birthday. This day commemorates the lifetime of service that Nelson Mandela gave to South Africa and the world, and has become recognized as a global call to action. On this day, we recognize that everyone possesses the potential to transform their communities and the world. Mandela said, "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." On Mandela Day, we celebrate Mandela's life, legacy, passion and commitment to equality and global justice.

On July 26, we will commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark federal law passed 27 years ago to preserve and protect the civil liberties of all Americans by prohibiting discrimination based on disability. The act ensures that Americans who live with "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity" can access the same opportunities as everyone else. The spirit of the ADA is about acknowledging the contributions our disabled friends, neighbors and colleagues make to our communities and to our country.

At LifeBridge Health we celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same - our shared purpose of caring for the community together.