FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Hidden Cost of Care: Racism and Inclusion in Healthcare Workplaces
Barrie, ON — Making Change, a Black-led nonprofit organization, in partnership with the MacLaren Art Centre, is hosting a free public panel discussion on racism in healthcare workplaces and its impact on both workers and patients. The panel will focus on how racism impacts racialized frontline healthcare professionals and the quality of care patients receive. Community members are invited to take part in this important and timely conversation.
The Government of Canada estimates that nearly half of Ontario’s population will be racialized by 2036. This event examines what that means for healthcare in Simcoe County and how we can better prepare for the changes underway.
“After 20 years working on the front lines as a PSW, I’ve seen how racism in healthcare doesn’t just affect staff — it directly affects patient care,” says Laura LaChapelle, Program Director of Making Change and moderator of the panel. “If we don’t talk about it openly, we all continue to pay the hidden cost.”
Panellists will share personal experiences and professional insight about the emotional and workplace impacts of racism, and discuss practical ways to create safer, more supportive, and more inclusive healthcare environments.
This lunch-and-learn style event is open to healthcare workers, leaders, students, and community members who want to understand these issues better and be part of positive change.
Panelists include:
● Dr. Claudine Cousins – CEO, Empower Simcoe
● Dr. Michelle Quaye – Associate Medical Officer of Health, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Team
● Debbie Opoku-Mulder, MA – Registered Psychotherapist & Mental Health Advocate
Date: Thursday, February 12, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location: MacLaren Art Centre, 37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie
Cost: Free (registration required)
Register here: https://maclarenart.com/product/lunch-and-learn-racism-and-inclusion-healthcare-workplaces/
About Making Change:
Making Change’s mission is to educate communities by facilitating self-awareness through impactful programs. Their purpose is to spark conversations about equity, diversity, inclusion, and equality to invoke change. The goal of Making Change is to create a world where we celebrate our diversity while embracing the essence of what makes us human.
About the MacLaren Art Centre
The MacLaren Art Centre is the regional public art gallery serving the residents of Barrie, the County of Simcoe, and the surrounding area. The Gallery presents a year-round program of innovative exhibitions, education activities and special events.
We acknowledge the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg people, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. The local bands consist of the Chippewa Tri-Council, who are made up of Beausoleil First Nation, Georgina Island First Nation, and Rama First Nation. We also acknowledge the Wendat Nation (Huron) who occupied these lands prior to the middle of the 17th century. We are dedicated to honour Indigenous history and culture and recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land. We are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit People.
Acknowledgements
As a registered charity, the MacLaren Art Centre relies on public and private support for its operations and programs. The MacLaren gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of its Members, Patrons, Donors, Sponsors, Partners, the City of Barrie, the Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Ontario, the Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Gallery Location
37 Mulcaster Street
Barrie, Ontario L4M 3M2
Phone: 705-721-9696
www.maclarenart.com
Public Hours:
Sunday–Wednesday & Friday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Thursdays: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission
Admission is FREE. Donations are welcome. Wheelchair accessible.
Contact
Laura LaChapelle
Program Director
Making Change
Phone: (705) 430-4822
Email: laura@makingchangesc.com
Christina Mancuso
Education Officer, Schools & Community Programs
MacLaren Art Centre
Phone: (705) 720-1044 ext. 234
Email: christina@maclarenart.com
