The Hastings-Prince Edward region is becoming more diverse. The number of people who identify as a member of a racialized group increased by 41 per cent between 2016 and 2021.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health shared that statistic on the first day of February, which is recognized as Black History Month. The health unit says it’s a reminder for people to work together to address racism.
Public Health says it’s encouraging people who identify as a member of a racialized group to respond to a survey led by a group called Colour of Poverty-Colour of Change. That survey, which is available until February 9th, seeks to find out how racism can impact barriers to employment.
Public Health also says it’s working to combat racism, because it is a social determinant of health. That means that often people are born into social, political and financial circumstances, beyond their control, which can impact their well-being.
The health unit says it’s working on a new Health Equity Strategy, with groups including the Quinte Local Immigration Partnership to better understand the issue.
And Public Health officials are asking people to reach out to them if they have suggestions on how they can make their services more inclusive.