Black Experience @ SickKids

At SickKids, we are committed to addressing the healthcare disparities affecting Black children and youth. With your support, we will drive change to improve Black health outcomes

THE CHALLENGE
Racism in the Canadian healthcare system is real. While health disparities for the Black community have always existed, they have come into focus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with structural, social, cultural and economic factors further underscoring the structural inequities and limited access to care.

THE VISION
We see the need to improve the care and lives of children, youth and families in the Black community. As such, SickKids is embarking on a journey to address anti-Black racism as a social determinant of health and to ensure our vision Healthier Children. A Better World. actively includes all children, youth and families from the Black community. 

We are committed to raising the funds needed to achieve this vision and we will continue to work hand-in-hand with the Black community in order to do so.

WHY SICKKIDS
SickKids is one of the world’s foremost pediatric healthcare institutions. We have worked with Black communities around the world – in Ghana, South Africa, and across the Caribbean. Despite this, we recognize we still have work to do, right here at home.
 
For too long, evidence indicates the Black community has received inequitable treatment from the healthcare system which has resulted in negative personal and community outcomes. 

While SickKids is a leader in child health, we have been part of a system that has not fully addressed the systemic inequities that exist. We acknowledge and take responsibility to address these inherent barriers that exist for the Black community and are committed to right the wrongs.

But we can’t do it alone. We all need to be part of the change

HOW PHILANTHROPY CAN HELP
SickKids is a global leader in pediatric care and as such, we have to be a leader in creating safer and more positive healthcare outcomes for Black children and families, both at home and abroad. We also believe that the most impactful change will come as a result of the guidance and support of those within the community itself. We hope you will join us in building a long-lasting relationship that will facilitate positive change.

OUR FUNDING PRIORITIES

Investment in the following priority areas will help us start to achieve our goal of providing leading health outcomes at home and beyond. 

• Build a New Sickle Cell Disease Clinic
• Sickle Cell Disease Patient Amenities Fund
• Sickle Cell Disease Content on AboutKidsHealth.ca
• SickKids-Caribbean Initiative: Victor Blanchette Caribbean Education Endowment Fund
• Research & Innovation
• Representation & Career Development