A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - June 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 communities together.

June is Pride Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning or queer community and their contributions to the United States. Typically, Pride Month celebrations include parades, picnics and memorials for members of the LGBTQ community who have passed away due to HIV/AIDS. However, events may be modified this year due to the pandemic.

June is also Elder Abuse Awareness Month, designed to raise awareness about abuse of older adults and help connect those dealing with this issue to the proper resources. According to the National Council on Aging, it is estimated that one in 10 older adults in the United States is subjected to physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse each year, and the majority of harm is caused by a family member or other trusted individual. In addition, during this decade, the number of people 60 years of age and older will outnumber youth, which increases the need for a comprehensive response to this global problem. At LifeBridge Health, we pride ourselves on ensuring the safety of all. While this month is focused on respecting and protecting older adults, this is something we should do every month of the year.

June 2, 1924 marked a pivotal day for the indigenous people of America. All Natives born in the United States were granted citizenship with the signing of the Indian Citizenship Act by President Calvin Coolidge. While the Act allowed Native Americans born in the U.S. to retain their tribal affiliations and thus cultural tradition, as well as corrected some inequities they faced before 1924, the law did not offer them voting rights, and they continued to face many discriminatory practices and barriers.

On June 14, don't be surprised if you see the American flag displayed in front of more homes and businesses than usual on June 14. June 14 is Flag Day, a day commemorating the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as our official flag of the United States in 1777. The flag represents freedom and for many an enduring symbol of the country's ideals.

June 19 is celebrated as Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day). It is the anniversary of the day in 1865 when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform nearly 250,000 slaves there that they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the end of the Civil War. For many African Americans, June 19 has become the addendum to our national Independence Day because it commemorates African Americans' freedom. The day has also gained a new significance in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, and the movement for justice and equality of treatment for African Americans by law enforcement. Traditions to celebrate Juneteenth typically include families and friends gathering for a meal, parades and musical performances.

Summer/June Solstice or the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere arrives on June 20. Summer solstice is the longest day of the year with the Sun reaching its highest and northernmost points in the sky. A range of events are held around the globe to celebrate summer solstice including a midnight sun baseball game (in Alaska), an Indigenous festival (in Ontario, Canada), decorating maypoles and traditional dancing (in Sweden), and creating mountaintop bonfires (in Austria). Whatever your plans are this season, I wish you and your family a safe and healthy summer.

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