Zumbro Valley Health Center’s mission is to improve the lives of clients we serve utilizing a person-centered, integrated approach. Employing a highly engaged, diverse workforce is our foundation. We recognize the importance of creating a system that supports all individuals – regardless of race, background, or circumstance – and we remain committed to addressing the structural inequities that continue to impact the health and well-being of our community.
Juneteenth: A Historic Day of Liberation and Reflection
Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history. On this day, Union soldiers finally delivered the news of freedom to the last enslaved African Americans in Texas – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day of celebration, reflection, and recognition of the long and continuing struggle for freedom, justice, and equity for Black Americans.
Beyond its historical significance, Juneteenth highlights the enduring strength, resilience, and contributions of BIPOC communities in the face of centuries of injustice. It also calls attention to the ongoing impact of systemic racism where disparities remain wide and deeply rooted.
Equity and Mental Health
As an organization, we believe that mental wellness should be accessible to everyone and recognize that communities of color continue to experience disproportionate barriers to care. The effects of generational trauma, racial discrimination, and systemic inequities show up every day in how people access and experience mental health services.
That’s why our commitment to racial justice is woven into how we operate, who we hire, and how we show up for our community.
We are proud of the long-standing partnership we’ve built with the Rochester Diversity Council to guide our internal growth and accountability. We’re also actively engaged in the Rochester Nonprofit Consortium’s Commitment to Action Toward Racial Justice, pledging to Listen, Learn, and Act as we work toward a more equitable future.
What This Looks Like in Practice:
- Ensuring culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and person-centered care is available to everyone we serve.
- Updating our internal Diversity Charter to better reflect the lived experiences and needs of our staff, clients, and communities.
- Creating safe, welcoming spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and supported in their healing journeys.
Moving Forward, Together
We still have much work to do, but we remain hopeful. Every step we take toward inclusion and justice strengthens not only our organization, but the communities we’re here to serve. Whether you’re looking for resources, support, or simply want to learn more, we invite you to join us in this work.
To explore the significance of Juneteenth and the legacy it represents, we encourage you to check out:
- Rochester NAACP’s Juneteenth Events
- The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth – National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Smithsonian Learning Lab: Press Play on History – Juneteenth
At Zumbro Valley Health Center, we will continue working toward a future where mental health care is equitable, inclusive, and available to all, because everyone deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive.