Members of ETHP’s Community Advisory Council, including Omar Khan (pictured on far right).
On behalf of East Toronto Health Partners’ (ETHP) Community Advisory Council (CAC), we extend our gratitude to Omar Khan for his remarkable contributions as a founding member, co-chair and representative on the ETHP Leadership Team. Omar announced in August that he is stepping down from the CAC.
Omar has been a pioneer and changemaker, serving as a community voice, advocate, mentor and steward of the CAC since its inception. His unwavering commitment has been pivotal in bringing the group to life and building on its momentum during challenging times.
Omar’s leadership was instrumental in developing the CAC’s Terms of Reference, engagement framework and recruitment materials – and in operationalizing these frameworks through a co-design approach to ensure effective implementation. His efforts established these structures as the backbone of the council’s engagement approach, leading to the successful recruitment, onboarding and mentoring of new advisors.
As co-chair during a critical phase, Omar played a key role in guiding the creation of ETHP’s broader advisory network, delivering staff training and identifying valuable learning opportunities, such as storytelling workshops for patient, caregiver and community advisors. His strengths in communication and relationship-building shone brightly as he engaged in so many ways with diverse stakeholders, and fostered collaboration within the community, including his impactful work in Thorncliffe Park.
His passion for community advocacy extends well beyond East Toronto, with an influence that resonates throughout the city, especially in his work with equity-deserving communities. Omar’s dedication to addressing the social determinants of health, promoting equity, and supporting inclusion has had a profound and lasting impact. His commitment to empowering marginalized voices and engaging youth in mentoring initiatives exemplifies his dedication to fostering a more just and inclusive Toronto.
We are profoundly grateful for Omar’s leadership, dedication and advocacy. We celebrate who he is as a role model, a cheerleader, a brilliant mind, a caring human being, and a friend to so many of us.
Omar will always have a voice at our table, and a home with us.
Arun Bala and Vicky Beach
Co-chairs, ETHP Community Advisory Council