Commemorating Juneteenth by Advancing Health Equity

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Juneteenth National Independence Day, also known as “Juneteenth,” “Emancipation Day,” and “Freedom Day,” celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Commemorated on June 19, it is one of the most important anniversaries in our country’s history.   

While the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on Jan. 1, 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that all enslaved African Americans were fully freed by the letter of the law. That was the day when Union soldiers arrived in Texas to announce that President Lincoln had delivered his Emancipation Proclamation—more than two years after it was given. Learn more about Juneteenth from the National Museum of African American History and Culture (si.edu). 

As we celebrate Juneteenth, it’s imperative to acknowledge the necessary work yet to be done in order to end racial injustice throughout our nation and locally. As a healthcare provider, Overlake Medical Center & Clinics has a responsibility to provide equitable care to all—and with that, to do the hard work to identify and root out systemic racism within our own structures of care. 

Systemic racism means Black patients’ health concerns are often taken less seriously than white patients, leaving serious health issues to be diagnosed later, when they may become harder to treat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports that African Americans are more likely to die at early ages from all causes and those aged 18-49 are twice as likely to die from heart disease than whites. Further, young African Americans are living with diseases more common at older ages. 

The important work of advancing health equity is guided by Overlake’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council’s vision: To be a national model for workplace inclusion, cultural competency and health equity by recognizing and reducing disparities that affect patients, marginalized workers, vendors, and community members through continual workforce education and other intentional interventions. 

Overlake’s shared values provide the foundation for this vital work. Our value of Respect states, “We value that every person is defined by unique life experiences. We strive to understand and learn from our diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for our staff and patients. We embrace and demonstrate that diversity is a strength and equity is an imperative.” 

The journey toward inclusion is not simple nor clearly defined, yet at Overlake, we are dedicated to this crucial work to correct a shameful and harmful legacy. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we recommit to doing our part to bring an end to racial health disparities so that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.