The Juneteenth observance commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were notified of their freedom and slavery ended in the United States. Juneteenth also serves as a critical reminder to advance racial equity in health care, especially as it relates to women’s health. The racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women are stark. Black women are approximately three times as likely as White women to die from a pregnancy-related cause, regardless of income or education level.  

NIH has partnered with the Supporters of Eight Changes for Racial Equity (8CRE, pronounced acre), to celebrate Juneteenth under the banner, “19 Days of Wellness.” As an official advisory group to NIH, Supporters of 8CRE continue to partner with NIH on a range of efforts to address equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Join the celebration by focusing on wellness for yourself, your family and friends, and your community from June 1 to June 19. Find inspiration in the 19 Days of Wellness Calendar (below) to pursue activities for financial, physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional and psychological wellness. If you’d like to share your wellness activity, post on social media and mention @Support8CRE with #19DaysOfWellness to inspire others and promote racial and ethnic equity. Let’s make a difference together!