Building Collective Action Around Health Inequity
Moving beyond conventional consultation to create the dialogue, systems thinking and shared ownership needed to address entrenched disparities in healthcare.
The COVID-19 ACB Providers Project (CAPP) aimed to enhance healthcare services for African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities in Ontario by developing best practices among healthcare providers.
This initiative sought to tackle the complex and systemic issues of racial disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. The project involved several key organizations, including Co-Creath, the University of Ottawa, Montfort Hospital, Unity Health (St. Michael’s Hospital), and HiFi Toronto.
The Challenge
The project brought together policymakers, healthcare practitioners and community members to address racial disparities affecting African, Caribbean and Black communities. Traditional engagement methods were not enough for an issue shaped by systemic racism, conflicting perspectives and interdependent institutions.
How We Worked
- Used systemic change and transformative-scenario thinking to hold complexity.
- Designed inclusive dialogue that prioritized voices often marginalized in policy conversations.
- Created safer spaces for direct discussion of racism and structural barriers.
- Used consensus workshops and an action-priority matrix to co-create and prioritize feasible action.
What Changed
- Developed five strategic themes for system capacity, engagement and data governance.
- Strengthened ownership and commitment among diverse stakeholders.
- Created a foundation for continued cross-sector collaboration and action.
Client Feedback
I am speechless at Manal’s support to the team and our community.
“I am speechless at Manal’s support to the team and our community. The engagements went very well and I’m feeling great about what we have achieved! Manal did a fantastic job. I don’t even know how to thank her, but suffice it to say, I am truly grateful. I look forward to the opportunities ahead for further collaboration to weave the fabric of healthier and wealthier ACB communities in Ontario and beyond.”
Dr. Josephine B. Etowa, Professor
Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Ottawa