We are honoured to announce that Oak Valley Health was recognized for our commitment and progress in equity, diversity, and inclusion for the second year in a row as one of Forbes Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity. We ranked within the top 150 organizations across the country, and are the only health care organization in York Region to make the list.
“Embracing diversity and treating all with respect and dignity are important values of Oak Valley Health, and we are continuously learning and working hard to create safe spaces so that all who come to our hospital feel as though they belong,” says Vivian Yee, manager, language navigation, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and Resilience in Stressful Events. “We recognize there is much to do to and we must continue to advocate and address inequities that exist. This recognition is a testament of our commitment towards ongoing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging work and provides us with great momentum.”
We believe building an equitable, diverse, and inclusive Oak Valley Health is both an obligation and a great opportunity. The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) Plan Extension 2022-2024, which is highlighted in our People Plan 2023-2026, is an important piece in the recruitment and retention of diverse talent.
“We are excited by what we have achieved within our current EDIB plan 2022-24 and this year, we look forward to recognizing more significant observances in partnership with identity groups than ever before,” says Vivian. “To take us to the next level, there will be broad engagement coming as we develop our next EDIB plan for 2025 and beyond.”
Some things we have implemented to further our work in this space are staff-led committees like the Pride Committee and the Network for Black Employees (NBE). These groups allow for learning meaningful conversation, and celebration throughout the year.
“The NBE is a voluntary, staff led group that centres Black voices and focuses on varying matters pertinent to staff, physicians, students, and volunteers within the Black community at Oak Valley Health,” says Deion Weir, patient care manager and chair, Network for Black Employees. “As a whole, the NBE truly feels heard by the organization, and many items that are important to the group have been actioned. We are seeing the beginnings of change that will make a difference for future Oak Valley Health staff, physicians, students, and volunteers.”
At Oak Valley Health, it is not enough to simply recognize diversity. We need to intentionally and continuously address inequities and build respectful, welcoming, and accessible spaces to ensure all of our patients, community members, and people feel supported and have a sense of belonging. As we learn more about equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as individuals, as team members, and as an organization, we recognize there is much to do and we will always be learning.
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This article appeared in the January 2024 issue of The Link. To receive Oak Valley Health’s community newsletter, subscribe now.