MGH Inclusion Alliance hosts 2024 Speaker Event Series for Black History Month

Michael Garron Hospital's (MGH) Inclusion Alliance and Black History Month Planning Committee would like to invite the East Toronto community to an Inclusion Alliance Speaker Event Series. 

In celebration of Black History Month, join us for important conversations highlighting diverse voices and dialogue in healthcare. The events follow the theme of building bridges, which helps advance MGH's efforts in fostering an environment and practices that serve as a bridge to better experiences and outcomes for African, Black and Caribbean communities.    

All events take place virtually and are open to anyone who is interested in these topics. 

SPEAKER EVENT #1: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024, FROM 12 TO 1 P.M. 

Topic: Bridges to better experiences and outcomes for Black birthing people 

Althea Jones, Registered Midwife and President-Elect of Association of Ontario Midwives; Dr. Sarah Wright, Research Scientist at MGH; and Carol Soares, Specialist, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at MGH will share their aspirations for utilizing a Participatory Action Research model to meaningfully engage with Black birthing patients in various stages of their birthing journey to co-produce knowledge around the Black birthing experience. Learn more about Althea Jones. 

Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass, OB/GYN and President of Black Physicians of Canada, will then speak about her work in the area of health equity for Black birthing people and what it means to embed equity in healthcare settings. Dr. Tunde-Byass believes that institutions have a responsibility to make equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility central to their missions and values. Taking action and embedding principles in conjunction with core leadership competencies in this area is the key to change. Learn more about Dr. Tunde-Byass. 

How to participate: 

Join through this Zoom link on Friday, February 23 at 12 p.m. 

Meeting ID: 669 6712 4950 
Passcode: 021294 

SPEAKER EVENT #2: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2024, FROM 12 TO 1 P.M. 

Topic: Understanding sickle cell disease, its impact and strategies to improve care 

This event features Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, MSM, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario. It aims to improve the knowledge, skills and actions of healthcare providers who care for people with sickle cell disease to reduce health inequities and improve access to safe, equitable care. It will include information about the disease, the impact on those who are living with sickle cell disease and important considerations for anti-racism in healthcare services. Learn more about Lanre. 

How to participate: 

Join through this Zoom link on Monday, February 26 at 12 p.m. 

Meeting ID: 669 6712 4950 
Passcode: 021294 

SPEAKER EVENT #3: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2024, FROM 12 TO 1 P.M. 

Topic: Racism in healthcare, racial trauma and a trauma-informed approach to care 

Carol Soares, Specialist, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at MGH, will speak about racial trauma, including invisible harm and collective strength. Racial trauma can significantly impact an individual, with implications for physical and mental health, behavior, cognition, relationships with others, self-concept, and social and economic life. The segment will provide an overview of racial trauma, which is often an invisible harm that experienced and the collective strength characteristics that exists within African, Black and Caribbean communities. 

Dr. Leke Badmos, OB/GYN at MGH, will speak about the impact of the Black race on prenatal experience. Racial disparities in pregnancy-related outcomes continue to be an ongoing issue. This event will explore the role of racial bias, racialized pregnancy stigma and discrimination, adverse health outcomes and harnessing potential levers for change for Black prenatal experiences. Learn more about Dr. Badmos. 

Dr. Anjali Aggarwal, OB/GYN at MGH, will speak about creating a safe space and a trauma-informed approach to patient care. Dr. Aggarwal will provide an overview of the development of the trauma-Informed care approach, including the landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences study, and offer practical ways of embedding a trauma-informed approach into patient care. Learn more about Dr. Aggarwal. 

How to participate: 

Join through this Zoom link on Wednesday, February 28 at 12 p.m. 
Meeting ID: 678 9153 9346 
Passcode: 630930 

OTHER WAYS MGH IS CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH 

This speaker event series is part of MGH’s Black History Month programming and is open to community members in East Toronto. 

The programming includes a Black History Makers Gallery displayed in the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre so our teams, visitors and community members can learn more about Black history makers and their contributions to our country’s history, culture and identity. In addition, look out for stories from our #IamMGH Black Voice series in the Thomson Centre and on our digital screens across campus. 

We encourage you to explore events and activities that celebrate Black History Month near you, including those hosted by the City of Toronto.