We, like you, are deeply disturbed and upset by the recent events that have once again exposed the systemic racism and intolerance that plague society.

The death of George Floyd was horrifying and unjust. Racialized individuals should not have to live in constant fear from the very institutions that should be protecting them. In the wake of Mr. Floyd’s death, many peaceful calls for action in U.S. cities have been met with police violence, creating even deeper divisions between citizens and a deepening distrust in those who hold positions of power.

Racism and intolerance are issues that we have a responsibility to address. As health care professionals, a hospital and a charitable foundation, we have a moral imperative to seek out and expunge racism and all forms of discrimination from our institutions. We must create policies that support diversity and promote a culture of inclusivity in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

The past few weeks have been an important time to listen and to acknowledge the truths and experiences of those whose voices have been ignored and unheard. It has been a time for racialized people to share their stories and to help others to better understand the suffering that racism and hate have brought to their lives.

This has also been a time to reflect. At Joseph Brant Hospital and at our Foundation, we are committed to seeking out and eliminating racism and discrimination. While we have taken important steps to build a more inclusive and diverse organization, we know that we can do better.

We have a responsibility to listen, to reflect and to work together to make JBH a safe place for everyone to visit, work and receive care. We will continue to proactively strive towards this goal, but it cannot be done in isolation. We encourage everyone – our staff, physicians, patients and members of our community – to reach out and help us advance our work to champion equity and inclusion. Your voices are important, and we need to hear from you and talk about what we can do moving forward.

Staff and physicians are encouraged to reach out to us at hr@josephbranthospital.ca

We need to face these hard truths and become an anti-racist organization. We must challenge ourselves to dismantle structures that enable inequality and to actively work towards ending discrimination both within our walls and in our community. We know there is much to do, and we will do it together.

Sincerely,