We want to extend an invitation to all of our staff and medical staff to participate in the upcoming conversations as part of the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Anti-Racism Project. On behalf of the senior leaders at VCH and the Vancouver Community of Care (COC), we stand united against racism and are committed to ensuring VCH is a space free of discrimination of any kind. 

Between July 18 and July 25, in-person engagement sessions will occur in the Vancouver COC. These sessions will take place at Vancouver Acute sites but are open to Vancouver Community staff as well. There will be additional in-person sessions in October 2022, located at Vancouver Community sites. External consultants who specialize in anti-racism and diversity, equity and inclusion work will facilitate the engagement sessions. The consultants aim to ensure inclusion for those who have lived experience with racism, and to create an emotionally and psychologically safe space for all.

For staff who identify as Indigenous, there will be dedicated engagement sessions with participation by Indigenous Elders, Indigenous health staff or Knowledge Keepers. However, please know you are welcome to join any engagement session.

Starting July 18, online engagement sessions will also be available and continue through the summer, so there will be lots of opportunity to participate if you cannot attend an in-person session. There will be additional options to provide input as the engagement continues, including anonymous surveys, online forums and individual interviews, which will allow all staff an opportunity to choose what is most meaningful and accessible to them.

We acknowledge that conversations pertaining to racism can be distressing and triggering. Resources will be available to all VCH staff and medical staff and we encourage you to access them and seek additional mental wellness support as needed.

The Anti-Racism Project builds on the transformational work that VCH has been doing for years, including the Indigenous Cultural Safety work led by Indigenous Health. While there has been progress made, we acknowledge there is still much work to do. We appreciate you taking the time to help us address the long-standing systemic issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as racism in our organization. Learn more about Anti-Racism at VCH.

See below for specific dates and times for upcoming in-person staff conversations at Vancouver Acute and Community sites.

Visit Engage VCH for more details, the most up-to-date information and to register: Anti-Racism at Vancouver Coastal Health | Engage Vancouver Coastal Health (vch.ca)

In-person sessions located at Vancouver Acute sites July 18-25, 2022:

In-person sessions located at Vancouver Community sites in October 2022:

Note that online sessions are not location-specific, and staff and medical staff from across VCH can join the online Zoom conversations. In-person sessions are also open to staff and medical staff from other Communities of Care.

Registration: ​ Click on VCH Staff sign in button​ and use your VCH email address to register​