RNAO continues to speak about prominent nursing and health-care issues. This is a report on our media outreach during the months of February and March.

RNAO sent on March 25 the following letter to the leaders of the Ontario political parties: Premier Doug Ford; Leader of the Official Opposition and Ontario NDP leader Andrew Horwath; Ontario Liberal Party leader Steven Del Duca; and Green Party leader Mike Schreiner.

This is a 17 February article by Audra Diptée, Associate Professor of History at Carleton University. This article is republished from The Conversation. Why did it take so long for police and governments to protect Ottawa residents and businesses from volatile protestors? And if the convoy was organized by Black and Indigenous groups, would the response by both the police and government have been more severe?

Toronto, Feb. 8, 2022. In a groundbreaking report released today, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s (RNAO) Black Nurses Task Force (BNTF) unveiled recommendations to tackle structural racism within nursing organizations, regulatory bodies, associations and the broader health system.

This week RNAO celebrated Black History Month with the launch of the Black Nurses Task Force (BNTF) final report. I invite you to visit RNAO’s In Focus webpage on Black Nurses and RNAO, which captures the comprehensive and challenging work that RNAO is doing, led by outstanding Black nursing leaders.

RNAO recognizes the continued importance of sharing stories and perspectives from the Black community and is celebrating Black History Month in February. This past year, RNAO has remained dedicated to its advocacy and work to bring awareness to and end anti-Black racism and discrimination, especially in the nursing profession. In partnership with its members, RNAO has made progress in addressing the systemic racism within nursing, as well as all health-care sectors and academic settings.

The majority of those not yet vaccinated are hesitant for a diversity of legitimate reasons. A small but influential minority of the unvaccinated are anti-vaxxers driven by ideology who produce and disseminate disinformation intended to obfuscate, confuse and create hesitation. They also lead the angry and dangerous mob actions against hospitals and schools that require the enactment of safe zones. The following is a July 15 article from Paula Larsson addressing the racist roots of the anti-vaxx movement.

RN Amanda Ottley is a registered nurse and RNAO member working in the field of disability management. She is one of the founders of the Save Toronto Carnival community group and in this article, she introduces us to an inspiring grassroots effort. Thank you deeply for your work, Amanda!

February marks Black History Month – a month dedicated to honouring our Black sisters and brothers, their past and the steps toward allyship. RNAO recognizes the continued importance of sharing Black stories and perspectives, encouraged by and eager to contribute to the invigorated movement to end anti-Black racism and discrimination.