BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.

On Saturday, December 7^th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.

UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3^rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:

• United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
• The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
• Unite Here! Local 75
• Toronto & York Region Labour Council
• Canadian Labour Congress
• The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)

“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”

The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:

Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng

She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.

Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story

She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.

Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson

She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron

She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.

Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark

He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.

Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris

She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.

Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge

She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).

Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby

She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.

Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)

This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.

The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.

The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)

UARR is looking forward to its 50^th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:

• Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
• Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
• Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
• Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
• Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.

Preventive care is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential health concerns before they escalate into severe conditions. By focusing on proactive measures such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, preventive care offers individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve long-term wellness.

Below, Edward McInnis highlights the transformative potential of prevention in reducing healthcare disparities, alleviating systemic challenges, and ensuring that every individual has the tools and access needed to lead a healthier life.

Understanding Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Preventive care in family medicine focuses on proactive measures to maintain health and prevent illness before it occurs. This approach emphasizes regular health evaluations, screenings, and interventions that identify potential issues early, reducing the likelihood of severe complications. Preventive care fosters long-term well-being by addressing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles while minimizing the burden of chronic diseases.

The philosophy behind preventive care aligns with the idea that staying healthy is more effective and less costly than treating illnesses after they arise. Early detection of conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol allows patients and physicians to manage these issues effectively, preventing them from escalating into more severe health problems. Beyond individual benefits, this care model contributes to healthier communities by reducing the overall demand for healthcare systems.

Benefits of Preventive Care for Individuals and Communities

Preventive care profoundly impacts individuals and the broader community by addressing potential health concerns before they evolve into severe conditions. Early detection through routine screenings can significantly lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This improves individual health outcomes and reduces the emotional and financial toll of managing advanced diseases.

Communities prioritizing preventive care experience a ripple effect of healthier populations and reduced strain on healthcare resources. When more people engage in regular check-ups and adopt healthier habits, the prevalence of preventable conditions drops, creating a collective benefit. Individuals who invest in their health through preventive measures often enjoy longer, more active lives, positively influencing families, workplaces, and society.

The economic advantages of preventive care are undeniable, as early intervention typically costs far less than treating advanced illnesses. Vaccination programs, such as those targeting seasonal flu or childhood diseases, can drastically curb outbreaks, saving lives and reducing medical expenses. These benefits demonstrate how preventive care is a cornerstone of sustainable and effective healthcare systems.

Core Preventive Services in Family Medicine

Family medicine emphasizes various preventive services designed to address health needs across all stages of life. Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, are critical in identifying silent health risks. These assessments provide actionable insights that allow individuals to make timely adjustments to their lifestyles or begin treatment when necessary.

Vaccinations are another cornerstone of preventive care, protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases. From childhood immunizations to seasonal flu shots, these interventions safeguard personal health and prevent the spread of illnesses within larger populations. Counseling services, including guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, empower patients to take an active role in their long-term well-being.

The Role of Family Physicians in Prevention

Family physicians play a pivotal role in fostering preventive care through their ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with patients. These relationships enable them to understand not just medical histories but also lifestyle factors, family dynamics, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive knowledge allows physicians to craft personalized preventive strategies that resonate with each patient’s unique circumstances, ensuring a more practical approach to maintaining health.

Beyond individual care, family physicians act as educators, equipping patients with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Whether discussing the significance of regular screenings or addressing misconceptions about vaccines, their guidance helps patients take ownership of their health.

The continuity of care provided by family physicians also ensures that preventive measures are consistently monitored and adjusted as needed, fostering long-term well-being. Their ability to provide holistic and deeply personalized care sets the foundation for healthier patients and communities.

Challenges in Accessing Preventive Care

Despite its proven benefits, accessing preventive care remains challenging for many individuals and communities. Financial barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs, often deter people from seeking preventive services. Additionally, limited awareness about the importance of early detection and health promotion means that some individuals may only prioritize preventive care once a health issue becomes severe.

Geographical disparities also play a significant role in limiting access. Rural and underserved areas frequently face shortages of healthcare providers, making it difficult for residents to receive consistent preventive services. In such regions, innovative approaches like mobile health clinics and telemedicine have emerged as solutions to bridge the gap. Expanding these efforts could help overcome logistical obstacles and ensure that preventive care reaches those most in need.

Cultural factors and mistrust of the healthcare system can further complicate access to preventive services. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, culturally sensitive care, and efforts to build trust between healthcare providers and patients. Strengthening health literacy and facilitating dialogue between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve are also critical steps in overcoming these barriers.

Promoting and Advancing Preventive Care

Advancing preventive care depends on raising awareness and fostering a culture that values proactive health management. Educational campaigns, workplace wellness programs, and school-based health initiatives encourage people to adopt preventive practices. These efforts create an environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and earlier intervention.

The integration of technology is revolutionizing how preventive care is delivered. Wearable devices that track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns provide individuals with real-time data about their health, prompting timely action when irregularities arise. Similarly, data analytics and predictive tools enable healthcare providers to identify at-risk populations and deliver targeted interventions, improving outcomes on a broader scale.

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

For some reason, my ears were attuned to the sound of waves crashing. As I walked into my bright, airy hotel room with a balcony overlooking the ocean, I couldn’t help but think to myself, they prepared us for this experience, and it was the epitome of luxury and relaxation. From my check-in to this point, I was attended to with such care.

I quickly finished unpacking and headed to the balcony. I grabbed my sunglasses and a water bottle and headed out the door. When I stepped outside of the room, I took a deep breath of the ocean air. Anxiety gone. I took the elevator into the bustling lobby. “Wow, this place is something else,” I said to myself.

I decided I would check the place out a bit before dinner, so I walked through the lobby and out onto the pool deck. I had to spend a few moments taking in the view before heading towards the beach. As I made my way there, I stopped to close my eyes and listened to the sound of the waves. After a few minutes, I opened my eyes and looked around. “I should probably get ready for dinner, but first, one more look at this view.” I took a final look at the ocean before heading back to my room.

The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to discover paradise at the Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle. The resort is nestled on the pristine shores of White Bay Beach in the historic town of Falmouth. For four days, I was gifted with the ability to indulge in their 24-hour all-inclusive service, where every whim was catered to. I took the time to relax in their spacious, elegantly appointed rooms, each designed to provide ultimate comfort and relaxation. I didn’t get a chance to, but as I walked around, I saw guests cooling off in one of their four sparkling outdoor pools, while little ones splashed around in the children’s pool, and the exciting Splash Water World water park. I so wanted to go down the adult slide…

The plan was to meet everyone around 7:00 for drinks and then dinner at the Kyoto restaurant. The waitstaff was knowledgeable about the menu (which is completely digital), wine pairings, and local cuisine. I had some dietary restrictions, and some of the other journalists had specific preferences. The resort’s culinary team was happy to accommodate our needs. That night, I had an opportunity to immerse myself in the island’s vibrant culture and indulge in a world-class culinary experience. The ingredients were fresh, and the dishes were creative. After that it was nighty, night for me.

The next day, we were up early, because we had a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Negril from Trelawny.  A drive through Jamaica is a drive through heaven; lush, green vegetation and stunning coastlines. We had to encounter a variety of road conditions: well-maintained highways, narrow, winding roads, and sometimes, unpaved stretches.  Potholes are a common sight, especially in rural areas. Our driver was cautious and watched out for these unexpected obstacles. We learned that in urban areas like Kingston and Montego Bay, traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour.

The purpose of the trip was to see the community development work that RIU is a part of in Jamaica. RIU demonstrates a profound commitment to the communities surrounding its properties, extending beyond tourism and hospitality. The company actively supports the Orthopaedic Clinic in Negril, Jamaica, a vital medical facility that provides much-needed care to local children. I was so proud to hear that this was an initiative championed by Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board. By covering the stay of volunteer American doctors and shouldering the clinic’s operational costs, RIU ensures the continuity of this invaluable service. This partnership enables the clinic to treat hundreds of children annually, improving their mobility and quality of life. RIU’s dedication to social responsibility highlights its role as a catalyst for positive change, leaving a lasting impact on the communities it serves.

We made our way over to Rick’s Cafe for some libation. We were transported back in time to the 1970s, when Richard Hershman first opened its doors in a sleepy fishing village. The cliffside setting offers breathtaking sunset views and is as iconic today as it was decades ago. As we sipped our drinks, we couldn’t help but feel the vibrant energy of this legendary spot. It’s no wonder Rick’s Cafe continues to be a top destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a taste of Negril’s rich history and stunning natural beauty.

By that time, we were all famished, so it was time for lunch at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay, and it was a delightful culinary experience. The chef truly showcased her skills with a selection of traditional Jamaican favorites. The oxtail was fall-off-the-bone tender, the rice and peas were flavourful and perfectly cooked, and the jerk chicken was seasoned to perfection. The salad bar offered a refreshing variety of options, and the rum cake was the perfect sweet ending to the meal. It was clear that the chef took pride in her work, and it showed in every dish.

After this it was time to head back to the hotel, and luck was on our side. The traffic was light, so we got back in time to change, relax and meet everyone for our second night at the RIU Aquarelle.