Black Health & Social Services Hub expected to open next year following Provincial support

September 14, 2023 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

Peel’s Black Health & Social Services Hub is expected to open next summer following a cash infusion by the Provincial government of $25 million.

Envisioned as a full-service location for “Black individuals and families to conveniently access health care and social services in one place, close to home,” the support for the hub was announced Wednesday, September 13, by Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

“Our government is building a better-connected health care system centred on the needs of all patients and families, no matter where they live,” said Jones in a statement. “Our investment in a new Black health hub is an important step in ensuring we have a health care system that makes it easier for diverse communities to connect to the care they need close to home.”

Added Anna Greenberg, Executive Lead (Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism: “The creation of the Peel Black Health & Social Services Hub is a pivotal development in advancing the Black Health Plan and in ensuring the province is supporting community-led, evidence-based innovations to improve access, experiences, and outcomes for Black populations.

“One of Ontario Health’s most important strategic priorities is reducing disparities in health care, so we are excited by the potential of this historic partnership to do that for Black populations within Peel Region. We are proud to partner with the health organizations and community partners who are bringing this initiative to life.”

The Hub was designed by Peel residents, a Region where the Province says 20 per cent of Ontario’s Black communities live. Its development was guided by A Black Health Plan for Ontario, with the goal of making it easier to connect with health services that “meet their unique needs.”

The plan includes increased access to health screenings for “prevalent illness” such as breast cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

“We know that better access to culturally affirming and person-centred health and social care is pivotal to improving the health and well-being of Black communities throughout Ontario,” said Paul Bailey, Executive Director of Black Health Alliance, in a statement. “Hubs such as this play a pivotal role in providing that care, meeting resident needs and building strong communities. This critical investment by the Government of Ontario will bring the care that people need closer to home, and will create a space that will serve as a community anchor for years to come. We look forward to continuing to work alongside Hub partners and Peel residents to ensure Black communities in Peel have the resources, care, and supports they need to be healthy and thrive.”

Appreciation was also extended by Roots Community Services.

“With this investment in the Peel Black Health & Social Services Hub, we are well positioned to work with the community to build a comprehensive model of care that will provide primary care, mental health and addiction, and social supports that are culturally affirming and person-centred, to meet the needs of the growing and diverse Black population in Peel,” said Executive Director Angela Carter. “We thank the Government of Ontario for this crucial and much needed investment in Peel, that will serve to build a more equitable health system for Black residents, while strengthening the local health system to serve the broader community.”