We believe that person-centred care begins with respecting and valuing every individual.
Guided by our core values of caring, safety, partnering, innovation, excellence, and integrity, we are committed to ensuring that everyone, including patients, residents, families, team members, physicians, and volunteers, feels welcomed, respected, and supported.
Our strategic direction calls for fostering partnerships and engagement to improve the health of our community, with a specific goal of establishing Deep River & District Health as an inclusive and safe place where everyone can access care. Through intentional actions and meaningful partnerships, we aim to build a culture that embraces diversity, promotes equity, and advances reconciliation.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Action Plan
In support of our strategic goals, Deep River & District Health has developed our first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (DEI-AR) Action Plan. This plan outlines a thoughtful and actionable approach to building a workplace and care environment that is inclusive and representative of the communities we serve, particularly those historically under-represented.
The DEI-AR Plan focuses on the following:
- Removing barriers to care and employment
- Supporting inclusive practices across all departments
- Creating a safer, more equitable experience for everyone at Deep River & District Health
Click here to access our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (DEI-AR) Action Plan.
Indigenous Health Work Plan
We are committed to walking alongside Indigenous peoples in a spirit of reconciliation and mutual respect. We recognize that achieving equitable health outcomes for Indigenous peoples requires sustained action, partnership, and accountability. Our Indigenous Health Work Plan provides a roadmap for activities and accountability over the next three years.
The Indigenous Health Work Plan plan focuses on the following:
- Providing culturally safe and appropriate care
- Removing barriers to accessing services
- Promoting respect, acknowledgment, and inclusion
- Building organizational capacity for cultural understanding
Click here to access our Indigenous Health Work Plan.
Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion
Creating safe, affirming spaces begins with knowledge and understanding. To that end, we offer all team members access to the 2SLGBTQ Foundations Course developed by Rainbow Health Ontario. This education and training helps healthcare providers better understand and serve 2SLGBTQ individuals with respect and cultural sensitivity. Through this training and other ongoing educational efforts, we are helping to foster a workplace and care environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and understood.
As part of our commitment, we are also working toward the creation of Positive Spaces across the organization. Our team members receive Positive Space training to help recognize and address the unique barriers faced by 2SLGBTQ communities in healthcare. The presence of Positive Space posters and stickers throughout our sites serves as a visible signal of inclusion. These symbols help raise awareness of the diversity within our communities and sensitize others to both subtle and overt forms of discrimination.
Importantly, Positive Space is not just a symbol; it’s a starting point. Meaningful change also requires a sustained commitment to equity, ongoing learning, and system-wide efforts to create safer, more inclusive environments for all.
Gender-inclusive Pronouns
We support the use of gender-inclusive pronouns as a key part of fostering respect and inclusion. We recognize that everyone has the right to express their identity and to be referred to in a way that aligns with who they are.
What are pronouns?
Pronouns are words we use to refer to people without using their names. Examples include the following:
- he/him/his
- she/her/hers
- they/them/theirs (gender neutral)
Why It Matters
Including pronouns in introductions or email signatures helps remove assumptions and create a respectful, inclusive workplace. It’s not just for those who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming; everyone benefits from a culture where we ask and respect each other’s identities.