To our East Toronto community,
Last week, a number of protests took place across Canada, including here in Toronto, that encourage transphobic and hateful actions against individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As the Ontario Health Team (OHT) serving East Toronto, East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP) condemns these recent demonstrations.
We recognize that freedom of gender expression is integral to an individual’s health and well-being, and stand in solidarity with our trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary community members, including our staff; clients; and patient, caregiver and community advisors.
Our member organizations remain safe spaces for gender expression, and we support everyone’s human right to identify and present themselves in a way that feels truest to them.
We understand these recent events may have caused distress for some community members. If you need support, we encourage you to contact one of the resources below in East Toronto.
- Walk-in counselling at WoodGreen Community Services
- Mental health support services at TNO – The Neighbourhood Organization
- Mental health counselling at Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub (for individuals aged 12 to 25)
Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging are priorities in ETHP’s work with community members to better connect local care and services.
We look forward to our continued collaboration with partners to help ensure a safe, healthy and welcoming East Toronto for all.
With gratitude,
The ETHP Leadership Team
Jason Altenberg
CEO, South Riverdale Community Health Centre
Anne Babcock
President and CEO, WoodGreen Community Services
Arun Bala
Patient, Family and Caregiver Advisor
Dr. Karen Chu
Family Physician and Member, East Toronto Family Practice Network
Robin Griller
Executive Director, St. Michael’s Homes
Melanie Kohn
President and CEO, Michael Garron Hospital
Sonia Kanzian
Executive Vice President, Clinical Programs, People and Chief Nursing and Health Professions Officer, Unity Health Toronto
Cynthia Marinelli
CEO, Chester Village
Dr. Kathryn Nichol
President and CEO, VHA Home HealthCare
Dr. Jeff Powis
Medical Lead, Integrated Care, East Toronto Health Partners
Dr. Anne Wojtak
Lead, East Toronto Health Partners
Dr. Catherine Yu
Family Physician and Member, East Toronto Family Practice Network
Shirley Zhu
Patient, Family and Caregiver Advisor