October

Featured Cultural Observance: National Disability Employment Awareness

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is marked throughout October. In 1962, the word ‘physically’ was removed to be more inclusive of the contributions of people with other disabilities. This celebration’s history started decades ago in 1945 when Congress enacted Public Law 176, which birthed what we know today as the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (N.D.E.A.M). It was only for a week then and called National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word ‘physically’ was removed to make the celebration inclusive of individuals with disabilities that were not physical. 26-years later, the celebrations were extended to a whole month by Congress and renamed National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 1988.  

Committed to Disability Employment Atrium Health was recently named Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion. Learn more about the recognition here.

Other Important Observances

• Global Diversity Awareness Month: An awareness month with the goal of promoting respect toward various cultures.  
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women; this month seeks to boost awareness of the disease.  
• National Polish American Heritage Month: A month selected to honor those with Polish heritage.  

Featured SRGs:

Accessibility FOR ALL (A4A)   

Accessibility FOR ALL (A4A) is one of the newest System Resource Groups centered around advancing the inclusion of teammates with disabilities of all kinds and is open to all Atrium Health teammates.   

A4A's goals include: 

• Creating space where teammates can openly discuss issues they are facing 
• Promoting cultural competence 
• Providing professional development and networking opportunities 
• Advocating for the physical and digital needs of teammates 
• Raising awareness of workplace issues and reducing unconscious bias toward working with individuals with disabilities 

Join A4A to stay informed about what this SRG is doing and learn ways you can engage! To join, simply click the "join" button at the top of the Viva Engage page: Accessibility FOR ALL (A4A) System Resource Group (SRG).  

If you do not have access to Viva Engage, feel free to have teammates reach out to our office at diversityandinclusion@atriumhealth.org for more information.   

Indigenous Peoples and Allies Affinity Group

The Indigenous Peoples and Allies Affinity Group represents First Peoples who are the original or earliest known inhabitants of an area such as American Indians, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Alaskans. This affinity group wants to develop a network of support and spark discussions within the Wake Forest Baptist Health system pertinent to Indigenous Peoples' concerns by promoting visibility and providing education. 

Goals 

1. Educate providers, faculty, staff, learners and the community about Indigenous Peoples including current customs, beliefs, and attitudes toward a variety of topics 
2. Enhance Indigenous Peoples' visibility/presence by providing educational and social venues 
3. Provide consultation to those who are interested in designing activities to educate the community, recruit and retain employees and to honor Indigenous Peoples 
4. Provide a venue for providers, faculty, staff, and learners who identify with the Indigenous Peoples and allies may find support and camaraderie and also learn about the differences among the participants in this group 

For more information, please email indigenouspeoples@wakehealth.edu 

• Charlene Hunt 
• Holly Pilson 

Resources 

• Indigenous Land Acknowledgement 

Featured Advocate Health Teammate Calendar:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One in eight U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death for Native American women. In addition, one out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man. Regular screenings and check-ins with your doctor improve early detection and could save your life. Learn more on the Teammate Calendar. 

Important Dates

October 1 – National Latino Physician Day: This day honors and celebrates Latino physicians in the United States and also helps create awareness of the need for more Latino and Latina Doctors. 

October 9 – Indigenous Peoples' Day: This day honors the indigenous people of North America; the holiday was formerly called Columbus Day

October 10 – World Mental Health Day: A day that advocates for mental health awareness and education; on this day, you can support the efforts by reflecting on your own biases regarding mental health and advocating against social stigma related to it.   

October 14 – Defender of Ukraine Day: This day celebrates those who have fought for the freedom of Ukraine  

October 17 – Spirit Day: This day is aimed specifically at LGBTQ youth and what their community can do to support them. You can participate in this day by wearing purple and speaking out against bullying  

See other international observances