To help show support for the community and show that the hospital is a welcoming space, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance unveiled a Pride-themed bench at its Wallaceburg site Friday.
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The bench will be located near the hospital’s main entrance.
“CKHA’s Wallaceburg site pride bench serves as a clear and vibrant message to both staff and the community that CKHA is open and welcoming to all,” Adam Topp, president and chief executive, said in a release.
“We hope that by displaying symbols like this, members of Chatham-Kent’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community will feel safe and supported when seeking health care.”
The Pride bench at the Wallaceburg site follows installation of a similar bench at the Chatham location in 2022. It symbolizes CKHA’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism (EDIAR), the release said.
CK Pride was also on hand for Friday’s event.
“CK Pride welcomes this vibrant new addition to Chatham-Kent. The pride bench enhances visibility and emphasizes that 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, along with their health and well-being, are valued at CKHA,” said Nathan Dawthorne, the organization’s vice-president.
“We extend our gratitude to CKHA for their ongoing community partnership and their broader work in creating a supportive healthcare system for everyone.”
The hospital’s 2021-24 strategic plan has listed EDIAR as a priority, which saw the implementation of an equity framework to deliver culturally safe, friendly care to the diverse populations the organization serves.
“CKHA will continue to build on this important work with further strategic priorities that support EDIAR in its upcoming strategic plan,” the release added.
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