Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks a pivotal moment in American history—the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day represents the end of slavery in the United States and is a powerful symbol of freedom and justice. However, Juneteenth also serves as a poignant reminder of the progress and ongoing struggle for true equity.
At Centrus Health, we recognize that health equity is a fundamental aspect of social justice. Health equity means attainment of the highest level of health for all people, where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, or other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes. The legacy of systemic racial inequities is evident in the health disparities that persist today, such as higher rates of chronic diseases, lower life expectancy, and poorer overall health outcomes among Black communities. Juneteenth provides an important context to reflect on these disparities and our commitment to ensuring equitable health care for all.
At Centrus Health, we are dedicated to advancing health equity through several key initiatives:
Community Engagement and Education: We work closely with lived experience advocates, local health leaders and organizations to expand access to services and provide education on health and wellness, ensuring that information is culturally relevant.
Inclusive Health Services: We strive to support inclusive health services and practices that respect and respond to the diverse cultural and linguistic needs of patients, while also understanding and addressing health disparities in our community.
Research and Advocacy: We support data collection and research that aims to understand and address health disparities. These tools enable advocacy for policies that promote health equity at local, state, and national levels.
As we celebrate the progress made over the past 150 years, we must also confront the work that remains to be done. By addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, we honor the spirit of Juneteenth and move closer to a future where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy, purposeful life.