London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC’s) Black Health team is leading the way to create a more equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive health system – one where Black communities feel heard, respected, and cared for. Over the past year, the team has continued to make meaningful strides in improving access, building trust, and supporting better outcomes for Black individuals and families.
Honouring Black History Month at LHSC
To celebrate Black History Month in February 2025, LHSC hosted a series of events that celebrated culture, community, and connection.
In February 2025, the aromas of Guyanese ad Ghanaian cuisine filled the LHSC cafeterias thanks to local chefs Maryam and Malvin Wright of Yaya’s Kitchen. Their vibrant dishes offered patients, visitors, and Team LHSC an opportunity to explore rich culinary traditions while supporting the WEAN Community Centre.
Accompanying the meals, artist Amsa Yaro led interactive art sessions rooted in her Nigerian heritage, inviting participants to create their own meaningful pieces. Vendor fairs featuring cultural jewelry, art, and handmade goods added to the celebration, offering education through experience.
These events, made possible through partnerships with Yaya’s Kitchen, Compass One Healthcare, and local artists, were more than moments of celebration. They were part of the broader commitment by LHSC’s Black Health team to ensure Black culture, history, and voices are meaningfully reflected across our organization.
“It is critical for Black people to see themselves reflected in the programming, activities, and culture of the hospital,” says Cathy Wood, Interim Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at LHSC.
That work continues, inspired by the connections made and the stories shared throughout the month.
Advancing Black health and wellness
In March 2025, LHSC also played a leading role in organizing the first-ever London Black Health and Wellness Fair, an event designed specifically for Black individuals and families to connect with local health professionals, explore culturally relevant health topics, and access community resources.
The event was delivered in collaboration with six partners: St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Middlesex-London Health Unit, City of London, Western Black Medical Student Association, Access Franco Santé London, and WEAN Community Centre. Together, this group is advancing a shared vision of improved health outcomes and empowered health decision-making for Black communities.
The fair drew hundreds of participants, offering engaging presentations and interactive booths hosted by local health organizations. Topics were tailored to address health concerns that disproportionately affect the Black community including hypertension, diabetes, mental health, sickle cell disease, and the over-representation of Black families in the child welfare system.
“LHSC and our partners know that Black individuals and families have unique needs when it comes to health and wellbeing,” says Wood. “It is our hope that through this event, families were able to discover information that enables them to make positive and informed decisions about their health. We are looking forward to offering a bigger and better London Black Health and Wellness Fair next year.”
Through initiatives like the Black Health and Wellness Fair, LHSC continues to build trust, remove barriers, and support inclusive, community-informed care. These efforts are laying the foundation for a health system where every patient, regardless of race, background, or circumstance, can access the care and resources they need to thrive.
