Dear editor,
Everyone knows July 4th is America’s birthday – the day we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the creation of a nation where “all men are created equal.”
But four million African-American slaves would wait another 89 years to taste freedom – until June 19, 1865 (Juneteenth) when victorious Union forces began enforcing the emancipation of slaves in Texas and throughout the South.
It’s not difficult to appreciate why many African American citizens view Juneteenth as a day to celebrate freedom – as symbolized by the Declaration of Independence and the fulfillment of the Emancipation Proclamation.
America is often called a melting pot – comprised of people with myriad religious backgrounds, races, cultures, customs, languages and lifestyles.
Part of our challenge as hospice and palliative care providers is to understand how different perspectives can affect attitudes toward illness, pain, coping and death – as well as one’s openness to exploring hospice and other treatment options.
Today, African-Americans make up 12 percent of the population, but only 7.6 percent of hospice patients. Ironically, African-Americans have a disproportionately higher rate of hospice’s top diagnoses – cancer and heart disease.
As we help to educate patients, families and healthcare professionals about the advantages of hospice, it’s important to appreciate why different people have different perspectives – so we can help them make treatment decisions appropriate for their individual situations.
Much like the Juneteenth holiday, once we understand history, we can better appreciate and honor perspectives that shape people’s choices and actions.
Sincerely,
James Chester
Chaplain, Crossroads Hospice, Cincinnati regional office