CK Public Health has officially declared racism a public health issue.
The Chatham-Kent Board of Health unanimously voted last week to declare that racism of any kind is a public health issue.
The board said anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, and other forms of oppression result in disproportionate harm to the health of individuals and communities of colour.
"This has been especially amplified during this COVID-19 pandemic," said Board Chair Joe Faas.
The board has written a letter to the community saying that racialized neighbourhoods in Ontario, especially in large urban areas, have more health problems compared to the least diverse neighbourhoods. The letter stated that racially diverse neighbourhoods have three times higher rates of COVID-19 infections, four times higher rates of hospital and ICU admissions, and two times higher death rates.
Faas said more intentional action is needed to deliver on our organization’s vision that “Everyone in Chatham-Kent has the opportunity to reach their full potential for health and well-being.”
The Board of Health has pledged its commitment to work with the CK Public Health team to develop a plan to guide the organization.
"We will examine our organization’s policies, procedures, programs and services to ensure inclusivity, diversity and health equity," added Faas. "We will work with community partners to model the behaviours and values that build an inclusive community."
The board said Chatham-Kent thrives when everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live a healthy life and the responsibility for this opportunity belongs to all.
"If we work together we can move this forward together," the board concluded.
The racism issue will be discussed further at the July board meeting.