The Afya Equity Hub Saturday, March 18, 2023

Ribbon Rouge Foundation had its first major event this year - the Afya Equity Hub, which was born out of the Intersectoral Action Fund Project funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The project brought together individuals with/without lived experience and organizations to address the four key social determinants of health: income, employment, education, social support, and coping skills (mental health). An advisory board was formed, with 37 individuals/organizations showing interest. Three sub-advisory groups: education, income & employment, and mental health, were formed with the final 22 people that committed to the project. Over five months, the subgroups met to develop recommendations based on lived experiences, expectations, and organizational encounters to improve/achieve ACB health equity.

The Afya Equity Hub was an information hub where key findings were shared with the community and partners. We also had presentations on Sickle Cell and HIV, which are both health conditions that affect the African, Caribbean, and Black community. Attendees were treated to cultural food, Afrocentric cultural performances, and mental health wellness exercises.