06/19/2026
Today, AIHA recognizes Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
As highlighted by the National Library of Medicine, emancipation marked a critical step forward, but freedom did not immediately bring equality, including equal access to healthcare. The legacy of that history continues to shape health disparities and reminds us of the ongoing work needed to advance health equity.
For OEHS professionals, protecting worker and community health means recognizing how history, access, environment, and systemic barriers affect people’s well-being. This Juneteenth, we reflect on the meaning of freedom, the importance of equity, and the shared responsibility to help build healthier workplaces and communities for all.
Read more from the National Library of Medicine. https://hubs.li/Q04lZFDm0