Black Scientists Hold Back to School Health and Wellness Symposium

A free event preparing Black youth and children for a safe and healthy school year 

For Immediate Release

September 23, 2022 (Toronto, ON) – In an effort to educate Black youth and students this fall, The Black Scientists’ Task Force on Vaccine Equity (BSTF) has put together a free Black Health and Wellness Symposium on Saturday, September 24th at the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, located inside Winston Churchill CI, 2239 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough from 12:00pm - 4:00pm EST. 

“Our team of trusted Black health and medical experts provide the latest updates and responses on COVID-19 and its variants,” explains Dr. David Burt, Co-Chair of the BSTF. “At the symposium, our aim is to effectively address the issues around vaccine trust and help prepare our community for a healthy and safe fall and winter seasons.”

Thirteen trusted Black health and medical experts form the BSTF, including Immunologist Dr. David Burt, Naturopath and Health educator Dr. Candice Todd and Deputy Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey.

Members of the Task Force will be present at the symposium leading workshops on:

  • Childhood diseases and immunization essentials

  • Building anti-Black racism awareness and knowledge

  • Fostering mental health and wellness

  • Improving diet and exercise

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed long-standing, systemic health inequities related to poverty, racism, marginalization and other forms of discrimination faced daily by the Black community.

“Health equity continues to be a critical issue for Black Canadians. As we continue the recovery journey, we must remember the way COVID-19 expanded the many already existing healthcare gaps faced by Black people, particularly where mental health is concerned,” said Raymund Guiste, Executive Director of Tropicana Community Services. “When we hear that almost 40% of Black Canadians experiencing psychological distress say they avoid the mental healthcare system out of distrust, we know there is a problem that needs addressing.”

The Black Health and Wellness Symposium will be an interactive event where the community can come together to learn about health literacy in the Black community. There will be free activities for kids, giveaways, food and music. 

Sponsored by: Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario, TAIBU Community Health Centre, City of Toronto, Tropicana Community Services, TDSB’s Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. 

Task Force members are available for interviews via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime or in-person. Bios and Photos available upon request. 

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Media Contact: 

Fennella Bruce | FKB Media Solutions | 647.290.7610 | fennella@fkbmedia.com

The Black Scientists’ Task Force on Vaccine Equity was created to build community awareness of the disparities in COVID-19 positivity, hospitalization, and mortality rates, as well as the need for comprehensive prevention efforts, including knowledge of the various vaccines. Its ultimate aim has been to promote the health and well-being of Black Canadians in Toronto through the pandemic, and to harness trusted community partners, health and medical professionals and academics to deliver fundamentals of vaccine development and immunization essentials.

Fennella Bruce