A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer, President and CEO, and Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer – September 2024
Thank you to all our team members for everything you do every day on all our campuses to make LifeBridge Health a safe and welcoming place for all. We are a diverse team that celebrates our individual uniqueness while working collaboratively to care for patients, community and each other. Below, we've highlighted a few of the holidays and observances taking place this month.
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is meant to increase public knowledge and awareness on prostate cancer. The month’s campaign promotes the risks, early detection, and treatment options for prostate cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is to increase awareness of the symptoms, risk factors, early detections, and treatment for ovarian cancer. It is meant to educate the public and women, support those affected by ovarian cancer and their loved ones and promote research.
National Hispanic American Heritage Month
Observed from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic American Heritage Month honors the cultural legacy of Americans with ancestral ties to Spain, Mexico, and the Caribbean as well as Central and South America. Recognizing people from a wide range of nations and their descendants, Hispanic American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to engage with and celebrate these rich histories and cultures.
World Alzheimer’s Day (9/1)
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21 to raise awareness on Alzheimer and other forms of dementia and promotes efforts towards prevention, delay and treatments.
Patriot Day (9/11)
Patriot Day is observed to honor those who lost their lives in the tragic attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. On Patriot Day, American flags are flown at half-staff and a somber moment of silence is widely held at 8:46 a.m., the time when the first plane flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.
Mabon (9/22)
Mabon is a celebration of the autumn equinox, when day and night are equal, observed by ancient Celts and still sacred to many practicing Wiccans and Neopagans today. This year, Mabon is celebrated on September 22. During this time, observers express gratitude for the harvest and reflect on the changing of the seasons.
Mawlid al-Nabi (9/15-9/16)
Mawlid al-Nabi is an Islamic holiday honoring the birth of the prophet Mohammed who is regarded in Islam as the messenger of God. Many Muslims around the world will celebrate the holiday, which this year begins on the evening of September 15 and continues through September 16, with prayer services, Mosque gatherings, and festivals. While not all Muslims celebrate the holiday, given that it is not mandated in Islamic doctrine, it is nonetheless a national holiday in most of the world’s majority-Muslim nations and is approved by most denominations of Islam.
World Heart Day (9/26)
World Heart Day – World Heart Day takes place on September 29 this year and raises awareness on cardiovascular diseases which are globally the leading cause of death. The awareness promotes heart health and ways to manage and prevent heart diseases and stroke.
Calls to Action
REFLECT: How can we, both individually and collectively, ensure that our actions and decisions actively contribute to a more inclusive and equitable environment without LifeBridge Health?
RECOGNIZE: The diversity among our patients and team members is what allows us to learn, grow and provide exceptional care.
RESPOND: I will begin (or continue) having conversations about J.E.D.I. topics, inviting my team to engage in respectful, curious and insightful interactions.