May 12, 2021

The United States celebrates May as Military Appreciation Month. My father is a veteran who served in the United States Army. He, and so many others, have offered a lasting impact on our country and should be honored for the sacrifices made to support our freedoms today. As we know, this occurred during a time when Black people were not fully recognized and given all of the opportunities, as citizens, but still, thousands of people of color fought for our country. May 7th is also Military Spouse Appreciation Day. May 15th is Armed Forces Day and May 31st is Memorial Day. There are so many opportunities to salute our veterans and current armed forces.

May is also Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. CNHP pays tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched this country's history and who are essential to its future success. Unfortunately, this is a community experiencing both hate speech and violence. CNHP stands firmly against racial and ethnic acts of violence and intimidation. Remember if you are on campus and you see something, please say something.

The month of May also recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month. As a psychiatric rehabilitation specialist, writing in the times of a pandemic and an anti-racism movement, attention to one’s mental health is very important and essential. Do not hesitate to reach out to Drexel’s resources of student counseling, EEOC for employees, and local support groups and to also check in on peers, family, and friends during the month and beyond.

May is also National Nurses Month and CNHP is honored to acknowledge nursing alumni, current nursing students and faculty. CNHP values nurses nationally and abroad for all their efforts from frontline, hospital, testing and vaccine interventions.

CNHP is proud to demonstrate how purpose and dedication and commitment to lifelong learning will create a health professional workforce primed to meet the needs of patients, clients and customers in the future.

Veronica Carey, PhD, CPRP
Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Chair of the Board of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion