A Message From the Office of Health Advocacy and Fairness - July 2025
The Office of Health Advocacy and Fairness continues 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.
Throughout July, we celebrate the many observances that reflect the different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences of those team members, the people in our care and our communities.
Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences and struggles of the disability community. This celebration occurs every July to mark the ADA’s anniversary, which was passed on July 26, 1990. With up to one in four U.S. adults having a disability, it benefits us all to foster greater awareness, inclusion and respect within LifeBridge Health and beyond.
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
The month of July is a time to bring awareness to the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face when it comes to mental illness. In 2020, fewer than one in every two African American adults got care for mental health. This month is dedicated to addressing mental health disparities in minority communities and promoting mental health awareness and resources.
Independence Day (7/4)
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.
Ashura (7/5-7/6)
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates the day that God delivered the Israelites, led by the Prophet Musa (Moses), from the tyranny of Egypt’s Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea, thus allowing them to cross safely. The day is observed with fasting and special prayers in mosques, signifying its sacred nature. Ashura is a day of commemoration in Islam. It occurs annually on the tenth of Muharram (July 16-17), the first month of the Islamic calendar.
Martyrdom of the Bab (7/9)
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 Baha'i 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.
Hijri New Year
The Islamic New Year, also called the Hijri New Year, is the day that marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year and is the day on which the year count is incremented. The first day of the Islamic year is observed by most Muslims on the first day of the month of Muharram.
Pioneer Day (7/24)
Pioneer Day commemorates the day that Brigham Young and the first group of Latter-day Saint settlers arrived in what is now known as the Salt Lake Valley (Salt Lake City) on July 24, 1847. It is a special commemoration for people of the Latter-Day Saint faith. It is often celebrated with large parades, fireworks, rodeos, and other festivities. Often there are re-enactments of the moment where people travel with their “handcarts” into the valley after a grueling trek. Handcarts were the primary means of carrying goods from the city that is known as Nauvoo, Illinois to the Salt Lake Valley (called the Mormon Trail).
Americans with Disabilities Act Anniversary (7/26)
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.
Calls to Action
- Reflect. Consider how stigma and access issues impact mental health in minority communities. How can you promote inclusion?
- Recognize. Acknowledge the unique challenges diverse groups face and celebrate those advancing culturally competent care.
- Respond. Share inclusive resources, join awareness efforts and support mental health equity at LifeBridge Health and beyond.