JULY 18: NELSON MANDELA DAY

Nelson Mandela turned a 27-year prison sentence, for opposing apartheid in South Africa, into a global legacy for reconciliation and social justice. His name was an international symbol for equality and resistance against oppression. Below is one of his famous quotes and two fun-facts:

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."
Mandela voted for the first time in 1994 at the age of 75 in the presidential election that he won - to become the first black president of South Africa.
Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for opposing apartheid, advocating human rights, and promoting national reconciliation despite a long imprisonment.

Even after stepping down from politics after one term as president, Mandela continued humanitarian work and established the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Mandela's enduring legacy exemplifies the transformative power of hope, the strength found in unwavering perseverance, and the profound impact of forgiveness in healing a divided nation. He died peacefully in 2013 in his home in Johannesburg at the ripe age of 95. For further information, visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation. (George Chege)

JULY 26: NATIONAL DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY

National Disability Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 26. It commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disability Act (A.D.A.) in 1990. This civil rights law criminalizes any kind of discrimination against individuals with disabilities and assures them full participation in the community, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. The Americans with Disability Act covers the following areas: public accommodation, employment, transportation, and state and local government services. A.D.A. is a life-changing act for many people. Today, one in four Americans with a disability can access and participate better in their workplaces and general communities.

5 facts about disability you may not know:

15% of the population is disabled. More than one billion people in the world are affected by disabilities.
India is the world’s blind capital; India has the world’s largest population of people with visual impairment.
Disability correlates with unemployment; According to W.H.O., employment rates are lower in disabled men than in non-disabled men.
19% of people have a disability; One in five people in the U.S., or 49.7 million people, have some kind of disability.
Many disabled people are not assisted: In the U.S., 70% of people with disabilities rely on friends and family to assist them with daily activities, and 40% of them do not have any assistance.

(Catherine Reiss)

AUG 9: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024 is focusing on ‘Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.’ Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact are the best protectors of the forest. Where their collective rights to lands and territories are protected, the forests thrive, alongside their societies. And not only is their survival crucial to the protection of our planet, but it is crucial to the protection of cultural and linguistic diversity. In today’s hyper-connected world, the existence of Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact is a testament to the rich and complex tapestry of humanity, and it is a huge loss to our world if they cease to exist. Info at the United Nations

AUG 19: WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY

Humanitarian Day commemorates and pays tribute to humanitarian workers who have tragically been killed and injured in the span of their work. We also celebrate all aid and health workers who continue to provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need. This year’s theme is #NoMatterWhat: Humanitarians Deliver. This theme emphasizes the unwavering commitment and perseverance of humanitarian workers who provide critical care to vulnerable populations, regardless of the difficulties they may face. For more information on Humanitarian Day and its history, please click here. (Laina Reavis)

AUG 31: OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event on August 31 each year to remember those who have gone too soon from overdoses. We at Harbor Care are committed to the goal of preventing these deaths in the workplace and any place in the community. Learn more here.

OVERDOSE TIPS

Time is critical when someone has overdosed. You must not wait to see the effects wear off but call 911 immediately for an ambulance.
If the person is conscious, try to keep them awake as long as possible by asking them questions and talking to them. Don’t give them coffee, however. Caffeine is a chemical stimulant and may place additional strain on their body.
Try to find out what substance or substances they took and how much. See if you can find evidence of what they took, like pill bottles or syringes. This information could be vital for the paramedics or doctors.
Don’t give them anything to eat or drink, as you don’t know how these may interact with the drugs in their system. Despite what you may have seen on television or in movies, don’t encourage them to throw up, as this could be dangerous. You also should not put them in a bath or shower in an attempt to sober them up. A sudden change in body temperature could send them into shock.
Keep them comfortable and safe; avoid moving them until help arrives. Don’t leave them alone, if possible. When paramedics arrive, share as much pertinent information as you can. (Andrea May)

Overdose Resources

If you think a person is actively overdosing, call 911 immediately! For additional information, contact Harbor Care Health & Wellness at 603-821-7788 or hope@harborcarenh.org. Or dial NH 211 or visit www.211nh.org.

September is RECOVERY MONTH and HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to learn about upcoming projects in honor of these special times.

JUL-AUG | JEDI NEWS (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)