Author: Arun Jentrick

The 4th Annual Black Excellence Gala & Awards, hosted by the W.E.A.N Community Centre, is set to be an inspiring celebration of Black entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members. This event will honor the outstanding achievements and resilience of Black-owned businesses, showcasing their contributions and success in the face of challenges over the years.

Since its inception, the Black Excellence Gala has partnered with the London Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support for Black entrepreneurs. The event not only recognizes the accomplishments of Black men and women in business but also includes a category to honor Black 2SLGBTQIA entrepreneurs, reflecting the diversity and inclusivity of the community.

In addition to acknowledging business success, the Gala will highlight humanitarian efforts and present the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on the community through their dedication and leadership.

The Black Excellence Gala is a significant event that underscores the power, innovation, and perseverance within the Black business community. By honoring these entrepreneurs, the event encourages continued growth and success while inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.

For those interested in attending and celebrating Black excellence, more information and tickets are available here.

Western University is hosting a public lecture titled “Unwrapping the Mummy: Physical Therapies and Managing Patient Wellbeing in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia” on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in Room 3120, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Building.

Robin Baker, PhD, an expert in ancient Near Eastern civilizations, will explore early health practices, including neurorehabilitation and musculoskeletal treatments. Learn how ancient techniques relate to modern physical therapy.

Everyone is welcome to attend!

We are pleased to share an important new report titled “Inequalities in Mental Health, Well-being and Wellness: Social Determinants and Changes Over Time.” This publication, along with its accompanying data tool, offers valuable insights into trends related to mental health inequalities across various outcomes and determinants in Canada.

Understanding Mental Health Inequalities

This report is the first to present social inequality trends in mental health within the Canadian context. Utilizing intersectionality theory as a guiding framework, it combines qualitative and quantitative research to explore how these inequalities have evolved over time.

The findings delve into four key themes critical to understanding the social determinants of mental health:

1. Socioeconomic Conditions: Highlighting how economic factors influence mental health outcomes, this theme emphasizes the importance of financial stability and access to resources.
2. Racism, Xenophobia, Homophobia, and Other Types of Discrimination: This section underscores the negative impact of discrimination on mental well-being, revealing the challenges faced by marginalized communities in achieving mental wellness.
3. Social and Cultural Connection, Support Networks, and Community Belonging: The importance of strong social ties and community support is examined, demonstrating how these factors contribute to better mental health outcomes.
4. Access to, Quality of, and Use of Health Care Services: This theme discusses disparities in healthcare access and quality, stressing the need for equitable health services for all Canadians.

Key Features of the Data Tool

Accompanying the report is a data tool featuring over 15 indicators related to mental well-being, mental illness, and access to mental health care services. Notable indicators include:

• Mean life satisfaction
• Unmet needs for mental health services
• Rates of flourishing mental health

These tools provide a deeper understanding of the mental health landscape in Canada and allow stakeholders to track changes over time.

Informing Policy for Better Health Outcomes

The insights gained from this report and data tool are essential for informing evidence-based health and social policy. By understanding the social and structural determinants of mental health, we can work toward ensuring health and well-being for all Canadians.

An executive summary of the report is available for those interested in a concise overview of the findings. Additionally, stay tuned for a series of infographics that will highlight the key results from each theme, set to be released soon.

For more details, visit the report’s page here.

McMaster University is currently seeking a Health Equity and Social Inclusion Coordinator. This role is an excellent chance for individuals passionate about promoting health equity and addressing social determinants of health.

Position Overview:

The coordinator will work collaboratively with various stakeholders to develop and implement initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for marginalized communities. This position is pivotal in fostering a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and coordinate programs that promote health equity and social inclusion.
• Collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to identify and address barriers to health access.
• Conduct research and analysis to support evidence-based initiatives.
• Provide support for training and capacity-building activities related to health equity.

Who Should Apply: This position is ideal for individuals with experience in public health, community engagement, and social justice. If you are committed to making a difference and have a strong understanding of the factors influencing health equity, we encourage you to consider this opportunity.

Application Details: For more information about the position, including qualifications and application instructions, please visit the McMaster University careers page here.

We believe that sharing opportunities like this strengthens our community and supports our members in their career aspirations. If you know someone who might be interested, please pass this information along!