Are you ready to take BLACK your health? Black Health Symposium and Luncheon to Advance Health Equity in Durham

BY PAUL JUNOR

The main focus of the inaugural “Taking Black Our Health Community Symposium and Luncheon” on Saturday, February 25^th at the Ajax Convention Centre will be to better understand the health and wellness needs of: African, Caribbean and Black communities in Durham. The main purpose of the event is to build collective power to advance health equity in Durham. In order to seek answers to critical health questions there are several things that the organizers hope to accomplish.

The promotional material states, “Get empowered, informed, and inspired about culturally appropriate health programs, services and solutions designed to uniquely serve Durham’s growing: African, Caribbean and Black communities. Be heard. Be there.”

There are high expectations that individuals from the community will, “Co-create and contribute to the development of high quality, culturally appropriate care for African, Caribbean and Black families at Carea Community Health Centre’s six locations in Durham.”

Carea CHC is a non-profit organization that provides access to high quality, holistic, and inclusive care that is responsive to the needs of the community and empowers individuals to enhance their own well-being. At Carea CHC, there is direct access to an interdisciplinary team of health care providers, involving: family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers and psychotherapists and administration support staff. Their name embodies what they do every day – they care. “Caring for the health and wellness of our communities’ residents is the cause that unites us. It shapes our thinking and guides our actions.”

The Ontario government announced an investment of $12.5 million towards High Priority Communities on December 21^st, 2020. This is aimed at providing funding to local lead agencies to work in partnership with: Ontario Health, public health units, municipalities, and other community partners to deliver key interventions for neighbourhoods most adversely affected by COVID-19.

The day’s event will kick off with welcome and opening remarks from Francis Garwe, CEO of Carea Community Health Centre. The moderator of the day’s event will be Asha Lapps, Founder of Black Queens of Durham. The keynote speaker of the day will be Michael “ Pinball” Clemons. The CFL legend, philanthropist, and general manager of the Toronto Argonauts is a great motivational speaker. He is the founder of the Pinball Clemons Foundation, which since its founding in 2007 has empowered youth through education by bringing them from the margins to the mainstream.

The following are the workshops that visitors will be able to attend at the symposium:

Workshop # “You Good!”

How 2020 Got us Talking About Mental Health, Racism and So Much More

Workshop #2 “By Any Screens, Greens or Means Necessary!”

Advocating for Culturally Appropriate Testing, Nutrition, Fitness, and Care

Workshop # 3 “Life After Lockdown Lows!”

Black Youth Can Survive and Thrive Post-Pandemic.

A grand prize will be given away which is an evening with Heaven’s Kitchen: Custom Catering or Private Chef. This will certainly be a fitting reward to a day well spent.

Registrations are open until February 23^rd, 2023, at: https//www.eventbrite.ca/e/ black-health-symposium-luncheon-tickets-487174300447

Anyone interested in learning about the Black Health Symposium can call

1-888-969-6746

email: blackcommunityhealth@careachi.ca

Website : www.takingblackourhealth.ca

Twitter:@careachc