2026-06-01
DEEP RIVER AND DISTRICT HEALTH MARKS FIRST PRIDE FLAG RAISING AND LAUNCHES POSITIVE SPACES INITIATIVE
Deep River and District Health (DRDH) is continuing its commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for patients, residents, visitors, and team members through ongoing education and the development of Positive Spaces across the organization.
This morning, DRDH marked the beginning of Pride Month with its first-ever Pride flag raising ceremony, attended by team members and organizational leaders. The event served as an opportunity to celebrate diversity, recognize the importance of inclusion within healthcare, and reaffirm DRDH’s commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
During the ceremony, DRDH President and Chief Executive Officer Janna Hotson and Dr. Doniya Quenneville spoke about the significance of the organization’s first Pride flag raising and what it represents for both DRDH and the broader community. Their remarks highlighted the importance of visible acts of inclusion, ongoing allyship, and ensuring that healthcare environments are welcoming and affirming for everyone.
“This first Pride flag raising is a meaningful milestone for our organization and our community,” said Dr. Doniya Quenneville. “The flag is a visible symbol that 2SLGBTQ+ individuals are welcome, valued, and supported at DRDH. It represents our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and sends an important message that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected when seeking care.”
To further celebrate the occasion, team members across the organization wore Pride shirts and received Pride pins, demonstrating their support for 2SLGBTQ+ patients, residents, colleagues, and community members.
Creating affirming spaces begins with knowledge and understanding. To support this work, DRDH provides team members with access to the 2SLGBTQ Foundations Course developed by Rainbow Health Ontario. This education helps healthcare providers better understand the experiences and healthcare needs of 2SLGBTQ individuals while promoting culturally sensitive and respectful care practices.
Through this training and other ongoing educational initiatives, DRDH is working to foster a workplace and care environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected, and understood.
As part of this commitment, DRDH is also launching and expanding Positive Spaces throughout its sites. Team members who participate in Positive Space training gain a deeper understanding of the unique barriers and challenges that 2SLGBTQ communities may face in healthcare settings, along with strategies to support more inclusive interactions and care experiences.
“Creating a truly inclusive healthcare environment requires more than good intentions. It requires education, awareness, and a commitment to ensuring people feel safe, respected, and welcomed when they access care or come to work each day,” said Janna Hotson. “The launch of our Positive Spaces Initiative is an important step in that journey and reflects our commitment to creating an environment where everyone knows they belong.”
Positive Space posters and stickers displayed throughout DRDH facilities serve as visible symbols of inclusion and support. These markers help raise awareness of the diversity within the community and encourage conversations that challenge both subtle and overt forms of discrimination.
DRDH recognizes that Positive Space is more than a symbol. Building truly inclusive environments requires ongoing learning, meaningful action, and a sustained commitment to equity and belonging across the healthcare system.
By continuing to invest in education, awareness, and inclusive practices, DRDH remains dedicated to ensuring all individuals feel safe and respected when accessing care and services within the organization.
