A Message From the Office of Health Advocacy and Fairness - September 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.
This month, we recognize the various observances that reflect the diverse backgrounds, beliefs and experiences of our team members, the individuals in our care and our communities.
National Hispanic American Heritage Month
Observed from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic American Heritage Month honors the cultural legacy of Americans with ancestral ties to Spain, Mexico, and the Caribbean, as well as Central and South America. Recognizing people from a wide range of nations and their descendants, Hispanic American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to engage with and celebrate these rich histories and cultures.
Mawlid al-Nabi (9/4-9/5)
Mawlid al-Nabi is an Islamic holiday honoring the birth of the prophet Mohammed, who is regarded in Islam as the messenger of God. Many Muslims around the world will celebrate the holiday, which this year begins on the evening of September 4 and continues through September 5, with prayer services, Mosque gatherings, and festivals. While not all Muslims celebrate the holiday, given that it is not mandated in Islamic doctrine, it is nonetheless a national holiday in most of the world’s majority-Muslim nations and is approved by most denominations of Islam.
Patriot Day (9/11)
Patriot Day is observed to honor those who lost their lives in the tragic attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. On Patriot Day, American flags are flown at half-staff, and a somber moment of silence is widely held at 8:46 a.m., the time when the first plane flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.
World Alzheimer’s Day (9/21)
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21 to raise awareness on Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia and promote efforts towards prevention, delay and treatment.
Mabon (9/22)
Mabon is a celebration of the autumn equinox, when day and night are equal, observed by ancient Celts and still sacred to many practicing Wiccans and Neopagans today. This year, Mabon is celebrated on September 22. During this time, observers express gratitude for the harvest and reflect on the changing of the seasons.
Rosh Hashanah (9/22-9/24)
The Jewish New Year, which begins on sundown on Monday, September 22 and ends on sundown on Wednesday, September 24. Rosh Hashanah is one of the two High Holy Days in the Jewish religion.
World Heart Day (9/29)
World Heart Day takes place on September 29 this year and raises awareness on cardiovascular diseases, which are globally the leading cause of death. The awareness promotes heart health and ways to manage and prevent heart diseases and stroke.
Navratri (9/29-10/7)
September 29 through October 7 is Navaratri, a significant Hindu festival honoring the Mother Goddess Durga. Navaratri is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, during which Hindus perform puja, the Hindu act of worship, honoring the different aspects of the goddess Durga.
Calls to Action
- Reflect. Think about how international nurses’ unique experiences enrich our teams and how you can support their journey.
- Recognize. Acknowledge the challenges faced by team members from different countries and celebrate their resilience.
- Respond. Help create an inclusive environment by listening to diverse voices and promoting resources that support all team members.