Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism

Building on our commitment to ensuring all patients have access to consistent, high-quality health care close to home, SBGHC has developed an Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism (EIDA-R) Framework to guide our work in the years ahead.

Advancing health equity and fostering an inclusive environment remain key strategic priorities for SBGHC. Our commitment is reflected in ongoing efforts to strengthen organizational culture, improve patient and staff experiences, and address barriers to equitable care.

Aligned with the Ontario Health Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism Framework, SBGHC’s EIDA-R Framework provides a roadmap for meaningful and sustainable change. The framework is built on four key pillars: Health Equity and Inclusiveness; Education and Training; Engagement; and Data Analytics and Reporting. Together, these pillars will support our efforts to create a more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable health care system for patients, families, staff, physicians, volunteers, and communities we serve.

Designing care, policies, and environments so that every patient has fair access to safe, respectful, and effective care, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance.

Key areas of focus:

• Respect for gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, and family structure
• Interpretation services and access to multilingual materials
• Accessible physical spaces
• Diverse hiring and leadership representation
• Culturally safe care approaches
• Inclusive spaces for wellness and reflection
• Recognizing and celebrating various cultural days of significance

Providing education and training for our team to ensure that the principles of equity and inclusivity move beyond policy into everyday clinical practice, organizational culture, and patient interactions.

Key areas of focus:

• Annual education and training sessions for SBGHC staff and physicians on equity and inclusion related topics.
• Create an internal SharePoint site dedicated to equity and inclusion resources.

Working collaboratively with patients, families, communities, and system partners to reduce systemic barriers and design services that are culturally safe and accessible for every patient.

Key areas of focus:

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group with representation from all levels of the organization to support and provide strategic direction on equity and inclusion topics and activities.

• Partnerships with local Indigenous communities

Collecting, analyzing, and reporting equity-focused data to inform decision-making to ensure equitable access, experience, and outcomes for every patient.

Key areas of focus:

• Collect demographic data (ethnicity, language, gender identity, etc.) to identify gaps
• Use data to monitor disparities in outcomes and access
• Embed equity metrics into quality improvement