A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer, President and CEO, and Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer - February 2023

Our Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) believes that LifeBridge Health is strengthened as an organization when patients and team members are welcomed, respected and celebrated for who they are. It is our hope that these monthly messages help provide education on the many diverse observances that are meaningful to our peers and encourage us all to embody the JEDI values. This month, we’ll take a closer look at the concept of equity. 

Equity means ensuring that all individuals are empowered and provided with what they need to succeed regardless of economic status, race, gender, sexuality etc. Having a diverse team does not guarantee enough opportunity for each person to succeed. Functioning with equity could mean providing mentorship so team member can be successful at a task or helping a team member overcome unique challenges that impact their ability to perform or to advance in their career. In health care, efforts to promote health equity must address disparities in length and quality of life, rates of disease, disability, mortality, severity of disease and access to treatment. Everyone should have the ability to reach their fullest health potential. 

Black History Month
In February, we observe Black History Month to honor the history, culture and achievements of Black and African American people. Here in the United States, Black people have made tremendous achievements in science, art, history and medicine despite historic and continuing racist oppression dating back to the nation’s founding. For more on Black History Month we talked to Hakeem Clark and Ayesha Fowler, chair and co-chair of LifeBridge Health’s Black Culture Employee Resource Group: 

At LifeBridge Health, we continue pushing for increased Black voices and culture within the organization through our Black Culture Employee Resource Group. During the month of February we will be highlighting black leader excellence weekly, sponsoring an essay contest for the children of employees “What Black Culture means to me”, and hosting a virtual event ”Black Physicians White Coats” discussing health inequities in Baltimore and the unique struggles and lived experience of being a black doctor. For the Black Culture Employee Resource Group, every month is a month to celebrate Black History and Culture. Keep an eye out for future events, programs and panels. For more information and to be a part of creating change within LifeBridge Health email us at jedi_office@lifebridgehealth.org. 

American Heart Month, World Cancer Day and Women’s Heart Week
February is a month full of health-related awareness, being American Heart Month and containing World Cancer Day on Feb. 4 and Women’s Heart Week Feb. 1-7. Each of these observances promote the prevention and treatment of conditions that kill many Americans every year. This month, we are reminded to check in regularly with our doctors, seek regular testing and take health-related measures to minimize risk. 

Imbolc and St. Brigid’s Day 
Observed on February 1, Imbolc is a pagan festival of Celtic origin that celebrates the end of winter. Historically associated with the Gaelic goddess Brigid, the holiday was later adapted as the Catholic feast day of St. Brigid, representing the coming of the year’s brighter half. 

Four Chaplains Day
Held on February 3, Four Chaplains Day is the anniversary of the 1943 sinking of the USAT Dorchester and pays tribute to the sacrifices of four military chaplains. When the Dorchester was torpedoed by a German submarine, the four chaplains on board helped soldiers get to lifeboats and even gave up their own life vests to others. They linked arms and sang together as the ship went down, and were posthumously awarded the Four Chaplains’ Medal, established by congress in their honor on July 14, 1960. 

Ayyám-i-Há 
Between February 26 and March 1, followers of the Baháʼí Faith will celebrate the Festival of Ayyám-i-Há. During this period, Baháʼís celebrate God and his oneness by showing love, fellowship and unity. Traditions include being hospitable, exchanging gifts, giving generously to the poor and those in need, and preparing for the 19-day fasting (The Bahá’í Fast) that begins March 2. 


Calls to Action

Reflect
Has anyone ever gone the extra mile to give you opportunity or to help you do your work well? Reflect on that. 

Recognize
Look out for ways you can empower someone on your team to succeed. 

Respond
Be a champion for equity. Be intentional about ensuring that no one on your team is marginalized because of race, ethnicity, ability, gender or any other characteristic. Go the extra mile for a team member this week.