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

Our J.E.D.I. office is dedicated to ensuring that all team members feel a sense of belonging and appreciation for the many unique cultures, communities and backgrounds represented by our team members and patients. Below, learn about some of July’s significant observances and how you can help make a difference here at LifeBridge Health.

The Hajj
During the Hajj, which began on June 26 and continues through July 1, Muslims from all over the world make a pilgrimage to Mecca. This pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and is required to be made at least once in a lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to do so. We express our hope that all patients and team members who observed the occasion had a safe and fulfilling experience.

Independence Day
July 4 is Independence Day, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The declaration asserted the separation of the United States from Great Britain and outlined several fundamental rights for its citizens, such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Efforts continue to be made towards the realization of these ideals for people of all races, religions, gender expressions and identities and sexual orientations.

Philippine Republic Day
In the Philippines, July 4 is celebrated as Philippine Republic Day, also known as Philippine-American Friendship Day. This occasion commemorates the 1946 Treaty of Manila's signing, which recognized the Philippine Republic and relinquished U.S. sovereignty over the Philippines. To learn about our Pan-Asian and other Employee Resource Groups, please click here.

Martyrdom of the Bab
Martyrdom of the Bab, observed on July 9 by the followers of the Baha'i Faith, is a commemoration of the martyrdom of one of the founders of the Bahai religion, which began in Iran in the year 1844. On this day, the Baha'is recount the execution of the Bab, believing that his revolutionary new teachings set in motion a fresh cycle of progressive revelation to humanity and that his ultimate sacrifice provided a new vision of a unified world.

Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed to provide legal protection for the rights of people with disabilities in the United States. On its anniversary, we recognize the importance of this act and the protections it ensures, while acknowledging the advancements that still need to be made for people with disabilities.

CALL TO ACTION:

REFLECT: What does freedom mean to you? How can you foster freedom for others? 

RECOGNIZE: What advancements are needed in your work so there is equity in access for people of all abilities?

RESPOND: Get to know, celebrate and learn from someone who is not like you. 

J.E.D.I. Champion Nominations
The Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Champion award is given to individuals at LBH who embrace differences between team members, promote justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and go above and beyond to create a culture of belonging at LifeBridge Health. J.E.D.I. Champions are team members who: 

• Participate in J.E.D.I. education.
• Develop/engage in opportunities for J.E.D.I. engagement across the institution.
• Promote a sense of belonging for all team members.
• Demonstrate commitment to SPIRIT values.
• Support institutional efforts to be just, equitable, diverse and inclusive.

To nominate a team member for the J.E.D.I. Champion Award please send an email to JEDI_Office@lifebridgehealth.org with the following information: 

• Your name and email address
• Name, email address and title of the person you would like to nominate
• A short paragraph outlining how the nominee fits the criteria listed