Black Lives Matter Flag Will Fly at Northumberland Hills Hospital

In Community, Local

By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Northumberland Hills Hospital will be commemorating Black History Month by flying the Black Lives Matter flag throughout the month of February.

The move is a first for the hospital, fulfilling one of many recommendations from its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. It has the unanimous endorsement of the Senior Leadership Team.

This is one of several activities planned at NHH during the month to advance internal conversations, awareness and understanding about systemic Black racism and its harmful impact on the experience of providers, patients and caregivers throughout the broader health-care system.

The EDIAC is co-ordinating a variety of activities (including written material, training opportunities, lunch-and-learn sessions, and a speaker-led talk by Dr. Roberta Timothy) for staff, physicians, midwives and volunteers to explore timely issues related to Black racism while, at the same time, increasing awareness about the contributions made by Black people to the field of modern medicine.

President and Chief Executive Officer Susan Walsh said in the announcement that NHH’s new Shared Purpose is People First.

“To honour this bold statement, we must acknowledge that racism, including Black racism, still exists in everyday life, including the health-care sector,” Walsh said.

“It’s critical to recognize the harmful impact that discrimination has on patients, care givers and health-care providers alike who are marginalized by racism. Dismantling complex racial barriers is very much a work in progress, even in Canada. Flying the Black Lives Matter flag is one of many small steps that NHH is taking to reinforce the point that, like many organizations, we still have work to do before we can say we are truly equitable and inclusive,” Walsh stated.

“We are committed to listening, learning and advocating for the delivery of safe, equitable care for all, and we are grateful to be part of a community that stands united in its commitment to continue working for equity for all.”

Cecilia Nasmith
Author: Cecilia Nasmith

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Video – Cobourg Mayor Hires Security for His Downtown Store That Is Now Listed for Sale

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VzdS3OXH1Q A downtown store owner says having security guards at his business periodically is for the protection of his staff

Read More...

Upcoming Demolition of 414 King Street West in Cobourg

The Town of Cobourg would like to advise residents of an upcoming demolition to the existing structure located at

Read More...

In My Opinion – Is Cobourg Police Service Which Serves The Public Becoming an Empire?

It’s time the Cobourg Police Service did something it hasn’t done for quite some time. That is - be transparent

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu