The Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals is empowering the next generation of leaders

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was an: empowering, inspiring, and uplifting day when graduates of the Black Youth Action Plan celebrated their successful completion of funded micro-credential courses offered by the Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals (CCHAP). These courses were supported by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism (MCM). The graduation ceremony was held at the Best Western Plus in Toronto and included guests, visitors and family members of the graduates of the Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP).

The BYAP has been in operation since 2017 when it was launched by the previous Ontario Liberal government of Kathleen Wynne. There was a $47 million four-year commitment with the goal “to help reduce disparities for Black children, youth and families, with a focus on the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) as well as Ottawa and Windsor. The PC-led Ford government has continued funding BYAP.

The CHAP is a career college licensed by the Ministry of College and Universities. It offers diplomas, certificates, job-ready training and skills development workshops in the health sector. In addition, the: convenience, flexibility, and affordability of its programs is ideal for: high school graduates, and mature students, undergraduate students and degree holders, newcomers, international students and internationally educated health professionals. The website mentions that “We’re dedicated to breaking down barriers that have hindered representation in the past. We’re passionate about creating equal opportunities and empowering the next generation of leaders.”

Details about the micro-credentials’ courses were described on the Facebook page of CCHAP on September 14^th, 2023. It notes that they are delighted to announce a fully funded program aimed to upskill and place Black Ontarian Youth and early career professionals in high-paying jobs in the health sector in the GTHA. They state further that in collaboration with the MCM, “We plan to provide anti-racism leadership and expertise to eliminate systemic barriers and promote racial equity, leading to greater opportunity for people and prosperity for the province of Ontario.”

Under the BYAP, CCHAP aims to improve the access of Black youth and early career professionals for in-demand skills in medical diagnosis, clinical research, business analytics, and health by offering hands-on training with job experience. The fully funded CCHAP micro-credential courses offer:

• Phlebotomy Certificate Program
• Clinical Research Essentials
• Healthcare & Business Analytics

In order to register in these courses, students must satisfy the following conditions:

• You are a Black young person aged 18 to 34 years.
• Completed high school diploma with subjects including English, Biology and Mathematics, or equivalent.
• Aptitude towards working in the health sector and innovative clinical research, or business analytics.
• Completion, or enrolment in a health sector focused post-secondary program.

In a Facebook post on November 23^rd, 2023, titled, “Empowering Black Youth: Our Funding Program,” CCHAP gives details about the programs that the career college offers. It notes further, “We’re committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in every facet of our society. To support this mission, we’re thrilled to announce our broad-new funding program aimed at improving Black youth representation.”

One of the most inspiring moments was the Black Anthem performed by Patricia Shirley-Okujene, a Black artist. The guest speaker at the graduation ceremony was Rahel Danihom, RN, clinical manager at Shouldice Hospital. Rahel explained how as a Black person in a leadership role in the healthcare sector, she draws inspiration from trail blazer Black health professionals. In her speech she spoke about the importance of diversity and representation in the healthcare industry. She lists five positive outcomes which result such as:

• Patient-centered care
• Reducing disparity
• Quality of care
• Breaking stereotypes
• Representation in leadership which provides equitable high quality care

I spoke to Hager Bekursion, the founder of Provincial Employment Consultants on Monday, March 5^th, 2024, regarding her involvement with the CCHAP. She played a vital role by providing support to the 60 participants who were recruited in the program and in job support. Hager was contracted in October 2023, but she looks forward to continuing in 2024.