A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer - July 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.

July 4 is Independence Day, the day that Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The declaration proclaimed the separation of the United States (consisting of 13 colonies at the time) from Great Britain and outlined the ideals of our nation, asserting that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These ideals will be further realized as our country makes progress in efforts to support equality and justice for men and women of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation and more.

With many restrictions being lifted on social gatherings and wearing masks, this year's Fourth of July may be a return to somewhat normal with many festivities held such as watching firework displays and parades and gatherings with friends and family. Whatever you choose to do, have a happy and safe Fourth of July.

The Philippines also celebrates July 4 with Philippine Republic Day. It was on July 4, 1946, that the United States granted the Philippines independence with the signing of the Treaty of Manila. Prior to that, the Philippines was considered a U.S. territory. Since then, our countries have had a long-standing friendship with Filipinos having supported America in many international efforts.

On July 18, we honor the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela, former South African president and a world-renowned human rights activist, on Nelson Mandela International Day. Also known as Nelson Mandela Day, the United Nations declared the day in 2009, as a global celebration to promote peace and to honor Mandela's values through volunteerism and community services. As part of the Nelson Mandela campaign, launched by the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2009, everyone is asked to dedicate 67 minutes-one for every year of Mandela's service for the human rights of South Africans-to giving back and doing their part to make the world a better place.

On July 26, we commemorate the signing of a landmark federal law that protects the rights of those with disabilities. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against people with a physical or mental impairment. Employers were also required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities and public accommodations had to be accessible to the disabled. The law marked a monumental milestone for those with disabilities, ensuring they had the same rights, opportunities and access as every citizen in our nation.

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