Written by Mina Yu, CRHESI Student Collective, Community Engaged Learning placement, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Western University
Systemic racism in healthcare continues to be a significant issue affecting Black communities across Canada. Reports from the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) and Ontario Health highlight the poorer health outcomes experienced by Black individuals due to systemic barriers, racial stigma, and socioeconomic disparities (MLHU, 2023). In London, ON, several healthcare and other health system partners have committed to increasing their understanding of the realities of anti-Black racism, and to take action to make positive change. Some organizations have gathered significant community feedback and have put structures in place to ensure work is guided by individuals from the diverse Black community. Multi-pronged, sustained efforts are needed to confront systemic racism, implicit bias, and structural barriers, increase access to safe and inclusive care, and reduce health inequities experienced by individuals and families from diverse African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities. Health system organizations are working to foster community engagement, increase education, and drive policy changes to create a more equitable and inclusive health system. In recognition that collective efforts are often more effective than working alone, organizations are working together more and more, with several joint initiatives underway. This blog highlights insights shared by Cathy Wood, the Black Health Lead at the London Health Sciences Centre.
Insights from Cathy, Black Health Lead at LHSC
To gain deeper insight into the work happening at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), an interview was conducted with Cathy Wood, the Black Health Lead at LHSC. She and her team are dedicated to improving healthcare experiences and outcomes for Black patients by building trust, forming partnerships, and implementing long-term strategies for systemic change. Cathy emphasized the importance of both qualitative and quantitative measures in evaluating progress. Key indicators include increased awareness among healthcare professionals about Black health disparities, greater confidence among Black patients in advocating for their healthcare needs, a rise in Black individuals seeking healthcare services and employment in the sector, and the creation of safe environments where Black patients and staff feel empowered to express concerns. One significant measure of change is the ability of healthcare professionals to create safe and inclusive spaces for and interactions with patients, family members, and coworkers who are from diverse ACB communities. Equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge, language, and attitudes to prevent harm is essential. Providing the necessary tools to facilitate learning and encouraging open dialogue enables healthcare workers to begin their journey toward understanding and addressing racial inequities. Despite some initial progress at LHSC, several systemic challenges remain. Cathy identified resource constraints and restructuring within large healthcare organizations as factors that slow progress. Additionally, Cathy explained how implicit bias and discrimination continue to impact patient care. Black patients often receive less attention from healthcare providers: nurses and physicians may spend less time with patients, limiting opportunities for relationship-building and a holistic understanding of the patient’s needs. Furthermore, racialized individuals frequently encounter less leniency and patience in healthcare settings. Black professionals in healthcare also report social and workplace exclusion, including microaggressions, cultural misunderstandings, and a lack of belonging, contributing to high turnover rates; as Cathy mentioned, “up to 40% of internationally educated healthcare staff don’t stay for long”.
LHSC’s Approach to Culturally Safer Care
To combat these challenges, the LHSC Black Health Team has implemented several strategies. This includes the development / adaptation of an anti-racism training module for healthcare professionals, partnerships with organizations such as St. Joseph’s Health Care, MLHU, Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion (CRHESI) to expand outreach efforts[CW1] . Lastly, Cathy has played a key role in direct community engagement through local events and collaborations with Black-led or Black-serving organizations, such as the London Black Health and Wellness Fair held on March 29, 2025. “Meeting the community where they are” is a key strategy in ensuring meaningful engagement. Cathy prioritizes direct outreach by connecting with community leaders, influencers within the Black community, and trusted individuals who can help spread awareness and build trust. “This is not a 9-5 job,” as efforts to reach the community extend beyond typical work hours, and engagement happens at galas, festivals, and local events where people naturally gather. The Black Health Team also provides valuable information on healthcare experiences, employment, and volunteer opportunities at LHSC, bridging the gap between the Black community and healthcare resources. This proactive approach ensures that individuals gain access to opportunities they may not have previously known about, establishing greater inclusion and representation in healthcare spaces.
Future of Black Health Equity
The work at LHSC aligns with broader anti-racism efforts, including the City of London’s 2025-2029 Anti-Black Racism Action Plan, which presents 61 recommendations for external organizations, including healthcare institutions (City of London). Similarly, the MLHU’s Anti-Black Racism Plan (ABRP) outlines 45 recommendations for eliminating racial disparities in public health services (MLHU). Collective efforts are underway to prepare for an upcoming event in June 2025 that will create an opportunity for key healthcare leaders and over 100 individuals from diverse ACB communities to dialogue about action-oriented and community-led solutions. The event will focus on information sharing to update the community on ongoing anti-Black racism initiatives, amplifying lived experiences to enhance understanding, facilitating dialogue between healthcare providers and the Black community, and developing an action plan with measurable goals and accountability frameworks for healthcare institutions. Addressing anti-Black racism in healthcare requires more than just acknowledging disparities; it necessitates dismantling systemic barriers and implementing sustainable changes to provide optimal healthcare to all.
Acknowledgment
A special thank you to Cathy for her invaluable insights and dedication to advancing Black health equity. Her leadership and commitment to making meaningful change continue to inspire and drive progress in the work to eradicate anti-Black racism in healthcare.