A Diversity Message From Neil Meltzer - November 2019

In November, we celebrate the history, contributions and traditions of our country's "first Americans" during Native American Heritage Month.

It was officially recognized in 1990, when President George H.W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating this month-long observance to recognize Native Americans. However, the initial idea began decades before in the early 1900s.

Native American culture has influenced many facets of American society, including our rules of governing, medicine and pastimes such as canoeing and lacrosse. Many Native Americans also have emerged to become respected scholars, military personnel, artists and educators, where they have and continue to make positive impacts on society.

We honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces on November 11, Veterans Day. We enjoy many of the rights and freedoms we have today, thanks to their service and actions to advance the cause of liberty around the world. You need not venture far to pay your respects to a veteran. LifeBridge Health is fortunate to have many working in our hospital family. Take some time to thank them for their service to our country.

November 13 is World Kindness Day, a day dedicated to highlighting good deeds in the community and their positive impact on others. Observed around the world, the day was first launched in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. While this is only observed as one day, as a member of our LifeBridge Health family, you demonstrate it every day by Caring Bravely and showing our patients, visitors and co-workers, not only kindness but the utmost compassion, respect and dignity.

On November 28, Thanksgiving Day, many will gather with family and friends to enjoy a meal with all the trimmings, watch a game or parade, or participate in a charity race or walk to benefit a worthy cause. Along with the gatherings and activities, many will take the time to honor Thanksgiving Day's true meaning-to celebrate and reflect upon all for which we are thankful. I'm thankful for our LifeBridge Health family and I want to thank each one of you for all you do to make our organization one of the best places to work and receive care.

Thank you for the commitment you make every day to Care Bravely and live our LifeBridge Health values. Our Respect value is crucial to promoting both Diversity and Inclusion. As we continue to hear divisive dialogue throughout the country, we cannot control what happens outside of LifeBridge Health. Inside of LifeBridge Health, we celebrate both what makes us diverse and unique, and what makes us the same-our shared purpose of caring for our communities together.