Commemorating Juneteenth

“Every year we must remind successive generations that this event triggered a series of events that one by one defines the challenges and responsibilities of successive generations. That’s why we need this holiday.” – Texas Rep. Al Edwards

At Proactive MD, we believe in embracing diversity while addressing disparity. We know every person deserves to be treated with respect, but recognize that not every person always is—especially in healthcare.

As a country, in this moment, we are reckoning with the racial injustices faced by Black people. At Proactive MD, we frequently see particular barriers to care for our Black patients—specifically when it comes to access and standards of treatment. We affirm our commitment to address these to promote equality, and to fight for the dignity and welfare of all of our patients.

We are additionally listening to cultural conversations, genuinely evaluating our practices, and identifying ways to better serve our employees. Today, Proactive MD is proud to join a growing number of companies and institutions in closing our Corporate Service Centers to commemorate Juneteenth.

On June 19, 1865, Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to share that the Civil War had ended. He issued an announcement informing Black people of their freedom and personal rights. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued more than two and a half years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln.

Forty-five states and Washington DC mark this as a holiday or observance. Many communities celebrate Juneteenth with food, singing, parades, gatherings, and reading of spirituals – in addition to taking time to reflect on the need for so many more positive steps.

We are encouraging our team to take the holiday to focus on mental health, attend a virtual Juneteenth celebration, or volunteer with an organization that promotes equality and justice for all Americans. Since we are still committed to serving patients in our clinical locations as the COVID-19 outbreak continues, members of our clinical staff working on Friday will receive an additional day off in honor of the holiday, and Proactive MD is adding Juneteenth to our list of annual observed holidays moving forward.

We wish all of our patients, clients, and employees a hope-filled Juneteenth.