New Pride crosswalks have been unveiled at the hospitals in Sarnia and Petrolia.
The crosswalks show the Progress Pride Flag, which was designed in 2018 by Daniel Quasar. Bluewater Health said the colours included in the flag represent the transgender community as well as the Black, Indigenous and people of colour community.
“Bluewater Health is committed to being a safe space for everyone who enters our hospital,” said Chief of Communications and Public Affairs Julia Oosterman. “When anyone, be it a patient, a care partner, or Bluewater Health team member comes to the hospital, we want them to know they are entering a place of healing, caring and safety. Everyone’s rights are respected and gender identity, sexual orientation, or race should never be a barrier.”
One Bluewater Health staff member said he was thrilled to hear about the crosswalks.
“It’s so important for everyone to feel they can come here to work or receive care in an accepting environment. Everyone should feel safe, no matter who they are or where they are," said Brian Slaughter in a statement. "Adding this symbol of inclusion is an encouraging step forward and builds on the hospital’s culture of kindness.”
Paint used for the crosswalks was donated by Shell Canada’s Sarnia Manufacturing Centre.
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