A Diversity Message from Neil Meltzer, President and CEO, and Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer – April 2025

This April, we continue in our resolve to make LifeBridge Health a place where all our team members are safe, our patients receive high quality care and our community’s needs are met. This happens because of our amazing team members, who show up every day and serve our community selflessly in our ambulatory offices, surgery centers, The Family Tree, Bridging Life, Center for Hope, LifeBridge Health & Fitness, urgent care centers, hospitals and all the places where we provide care. Now more than ever we must continue to CARE BRAVELY! 

 

In this spirit, we proudly recognize the observances and celebrations that reflect the diversity, values and lived experiences of our team members, patients and communities. 

 

Autism Awareness Month

This recognition raises awareness about autism acceptance and promotes inclusion and connectedness for people with autism. Social and community support can help people with autism achieve optimal health and reach their full potential.

 

Celebrate Diversity Month

April is Celebrate Diversity Month, a celebration that was initiated in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity surrounding us all. By celebrating differences and similarities during this month, organizers hope that people will gain a deeper understanding of each other.

 

Earth Month

April is Earth Month, a time to celebrate our planet and take action to protect it. Earth Day, which is celebrated annually on April 22nd, is the largest civic event in the world, with over a billion people participating each year.

 

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Prevention services and supports developed by this collaboration can help parents, other caregivers, and communities protect children and strengthen families.

 

National Volunteer Month

National Volunteer month in the United States takes place in the month of April. This month is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers in our communities as well as encouraging volunteerism throughout the month.

 

World Autism Awareness Day (4/02)

April 2 is internationally recognized as World Autism Day, dedicated to increasing awareness, acceptance and support for autism. Autistic people have made tremendous contributions to arts, science, history and culture, yet still face many barriers and forms of discrimination. World Autism Day draws attention to the voices of autistic people themselves, serving as an opportunity for all to listen and learn.

 

World Health Day (4/07)

Every April 7, the World Health Organization chooses to highlight a special theme current in the wellness and medical world. Ranging from mental health to insurance and everything in between, this day sets the tone for what’s to come in the world stage.

 

National Day of Silence (4/11)

Observed on April 11, Day of Silence is a national observance and demonstration against bullying of LGBTQIA+ students within the education system. LGBTQIA+ students face increased risk of bullying and harassment. Students across the nation will take a vow of silence throughout the school day before staging rallies to raise awareness and support for the many LGBTQIA+ students who are victims of bullying.

 

Palm Sunday (4/13)

Palm Sunday is the Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter and will take place on April 13th. The feast commemorates Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in each of the four canonical Gospels.

 

Good Friday (4/18)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary, this year it will take place on April 18. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday and Black Friday.

 

Easter (4/20)

Taking place on April 20th, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion and the end of the 40-day Lent period with nearly two billion followers worldwide.

 

Earth Day (4/22)

Celebrate the 54th annual celebration of Earth Day by attending neighborhood or beach cleanups, planting a tree or even helping to lead some type of recycling effort in your workplace.

 

Passover (4/12-4/20)

Passover or Pesach celebrates the freeing of enslaved Israelis. It is also known as the Festival of Unleavened Bread as Matzo or Matzah is eaten during Seder dinner.

 

The Festival of Riḍván (4/20-05/01)

The followers of Baháʼí Faith come together to celebrate the joyous occasion, the Festival of Riḍván (“Paradise” in Arabic). It is the holiest Bahá’í festival, and is also referred to as the “Most Great Festival” and the “King of Festivals”. While the Riḍván lasts for 12 days, three of those days are particularly important: the first, ninth, and twelfth.

 

The First Day commemorates the Declaration of Baha’u’llah as a Manifestation of God for a new age and revealed the spiritual principles that are the foundation of His teachings.

 

On the Ninth Day family joined Baha’u’llah’s in Garden of Riḍván. The reunion of Baha’u’llah’s family is symbolic of unity and love and it inspires the Baha’i community to celebrate the Riḍván Festival with joy.

 

The Twelve Day of the Riḍván Festival commemorates the exile of Baha’u’llah, his family, and several followers to Constantinople. Although this exile would lead to imprisonment, torture, sickness, hardship, and death, it would also lead to the growth and spread of Baha’u’llah’s teachings. Baha’is celebrate this day as the start of their faith and as a symbol of renewal, peace, and Baha’u’llah’s vision of unity and progress for all people.

 

Calls to Action

EMBRACE the complexity. In times of uncertainty, embracing diverse perspectives helps us better understand the challenges faced by marginalized communities—and strengthens our ability to provide compassionate, equitable care.
 

EMPOWER each other. Support colleagues by fostering a workplace where all voices are heard, valued and respected. Advocate for inclusive practices that ensure patients and employees alike feel safe and supported.
 

ENGAGE with purpose. Now more than ever, intentional action is crucial. Participate in conversations, seek out learning opportunities and commit to advancing health equity in your daily work.

 

Uncertainty may shape the world around us, but together, we can shape a future rooted in equity, inclusion and care for all.