Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) unveiled a pride-themed bench at its Wallaceburg Site on October 4, 2024.
The pride bench will be permanently located near the hospital’s main entrance.
ÈCKHA’s Wallaceburg Site pride bench serves as a clear and vibrant message to both staff and the community that CKHA is open and welcoming to all,” stated said Adam Topp, President and CEO, CKHA, in a media release.
“We hope that by displaying symbols like this, members of Chatham-Kent’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community will feel safe and supported when seeking healthcare.”
The pride bench at the Wallaceburg Site, following the installation of a similar bench at the Chatham Site, symbolizes CKHA’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism (EDIAR).
“CK Pride welcomes this vibrant new addition to Chatham-Kent! The pride bench enhances visibility and emphasizes that 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, along with their health and well-being, are valued at CKHA,” stated Nathan Dawthorne, Vice President, CK Pride, in a media release.
“We extend our gratitude to CKHA for their ongoing community partnership and their broader work in creating a supportive healthcare system for everyone.”
The organization’s 2021-2024 Strategic Plan set forth EDIAR as a priority that saw the implementation of an equity framework to deliver culturally safe and friendly care to the diverse populations the hospital serves.
CKHA will continue to build on this important work with further strategic priorities that support EDIAR in its upcoming Strategic Plan, hospital officials say.
