East Toronto Health Partners is a partnership of more than 50 health and social care organizations working together to create a health and community care system in East Toronto that is inclusive and welcoming to all. The recent murder of a Muslim family in London, the attack on a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community on Toronto Islands and the horrible discovery of the remains of hundreds of children on the grounds of former residential schools in Kamloops and Saskatchewan are grim reminders of the devastating and traumatizing impacts of hate and racism.
We stand in solidarity with all community members and mourn these terrible losses. We recognize our responsibility to stand up to hate — in all forms and against all people, and to build equity and anti-racism into the foundation of our Ontario Health Team as we re-design the health care experience for clients in East Toronto.
There is no place for discrimination and bias in our communities and we will continue listening, learning, talking and acting to pave an inclusive and healthier path forward for everyone who lives and works in East Toronto. For anyone experiencing distress and in need of support, the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.
On behalf of the ETHP leadership team,
Jason Altenberg, South Riverdale Community Health Centre
Anne Babcock, WoodGreen Community Services
Keith Chung, East Toronto Family Practice Network
Sarah Downey, Michael Garron Hospital
Melissa Morey-Hollis, Providence Healthcare (Unity Health Toronto)
Dr. Kathryn Nichol, VHA Home HealthCare
Dr. Catherine Yu, East Toronto Family Practice Network
Patricia Maurice, Patient and Family Advisor
Martina W., Patient and Family Advisor