A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer, President and CEO, and Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer – February 2025
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.
During times of change, one thing holds steady: we CARE BRAVELY. We will not waver in our commitment to uphold justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (J.E.D.I.) in the care that we provide to every patient, family or loved one, and team member.
We will continue to support and uphold members of our communities, no matter their race, gender, religion or sexual orientation, and pride ourselves on being a safe space for anyone to receive or provide care.
We will continue to do the important work to uphold our J.E.D.I. mission and be an environment where patients, team members and our communities feel respected, appreciated and seen.
February brings opportunities to recognize and celebrate the diverse communities we serve. Continue reading for a look at the month's observances.
February is Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a time to pay special attention to understanding, preventing and treating heart disease – the leading cause of death in the nation.
National Freedom Day (2/01)
National Freedom Day is a day that commemorates President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the joint resolution that established the Constitution’s 13th Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the fundamental principles of freedom, liberty, and human rights that are the foundation of the United States. This day is an occasion to reflect on the progress made in achieving civil rights and to reaffirm the commitment to eliminating all forms of oppression and discrimination.
Imbolc Day (2/01)
Rosa Parks Day honors the American Civil Rights hero on Dec. 1, the day she refused to give up her seat for a white passenger while riding a Montgomery, Alabama city bus. In some states it’s also celebrated on Feb. 4, her birthday, or the first Monday after her birthday – Feb. 5 in 2024. Rosa Parks Day promotes equal opportunities, civil rights, and fairness across communities in the U.S.
International Epilepsy Day (2/10)
International Epilepsy Day, celebrated each year on the second Monday in Feb., is an opportunity to raise awareness of epilepsy, what it is, how it can be treated, and what is needed to bring treatment to all people who need it. Started in 2015 and organized by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the day provides a platform for people with epilepsy to share their experiences and stories with a global audience.
Safer Internet Day (2/11)
Safer Internet Day takes place in February of each year to raise awareness of a safer and better internet for all, and especially for children and young people. Safer Internet Day is an international education and awareness-raising effort, celebrated in over 100 countries. In the United States, it’s a day to bring communities together to discuss challenges families face navigating the digital world, and empowers them to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.
International Day of Women & Girls in Science (2/11)
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated on Feb. 11. This Day is an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. This day is intended to promote the full and equal access in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Valentine’s Day (2/14)
Valentine’s Day occurs every Feb. 14. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. Although the origins of Valentine’s Day are murky, ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, a spring festival, on the fifteenth of February. The holiday was eventually moved to the fourteenth of February—the saint day associated with several early Christian martyrs named Valentine.
Nirvana Day (2/15)
Nirvana Day is an annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80. Nirvana is believed to be the end of the cycle of death and rebirth. Buddhism teaches that Nirvana is reached when all want and suffering is gone. On Nirvana Day, Buddhists think about their lives and how they can gain the perfect peace of Nirvana. Buddhists may celebrate Nirvana Day by meditating or by going to Buddhist temples or monasteries. In monasteries, Nirvana Day is treated as a social occasion. Food is prepared and some people bring presents such as money, household goods or clothes.
International Childhood Cancer Day (2/15)
International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is a global collaborative campaign that takes place every year on Feb. 15 to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families. ICCD spotlights the need for more equitable access to treatment and care for all children with cancer, everywhere.
World Day of Social Justice (2/20)
As declared by the United Nations General Assembly, Feb. 20 is annually celebrated as the World Day of Social Justice. The day is meant to highlight and honor the importance of social justice for all. The celebration reflects on fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles.
Maha Shivratri (2/26)
Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, often marking the day of his marriage to Parvati. This holiday is celebrated by fasting, holding an all-night vigil, chanting prayers and performing special pujas at Shiva temples.
Festival of Ayyám-i-Há (02/25-02/28)
The Festival of Ayyám-i-Há (Intercalary Days) is a multiple-day Baháʼí festival that is joyously celebrated in countries and territories all over the world at the end of February. This is the time when Baháʼís are encouraged to celebrate God and his oneness by showing love, fellowship and unity. This period is dedicated to socializing, being hospitable, exchanging gifts, giving generously to the poor and needy, and preparing for the upcoming month of fasting. It is also a time of charity and goodwill and Baháʼís often participate in various projects of a humanitarian nature.
Ramadan (2/28)
Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, and will conclude on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025, with the exact dates contingent upon the sighting of the moon. Ramadan is a holy month in Islam that is a time for prayer, reflection, fasting, and community. Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours. This fast is known as Sawm and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Calls to Action
REFLECT: At LifeBridge Health, many of our team members and patients come from our surrounding communities. Quite often, our team members are also our patients. This pyramid illustrates how interconnected these three groups are, and how improving health equity for one can improve health equity for all.
RECOGNIZE: Providing quality care for our patients and quality experience for our team members ultimately improves the conditions within our community.
RESPOND: Whenever possible, I will look for ways that I can impact the experience of our patients, team members and community, knowing that it may improve conditions for others, as well.