Founded in 2025, Legacy Health Initiatives is dedicated to educating and empowering the Black community by addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare access. Our mission is to provide culturally relevant health information, advocate for systemic change, and support the well-being of Black Canadians.
Our Mission
We aim to bridge the gap in health inequities affecting Black Canadians by offering resources, education, and advocacy tailored to our community's unique needs.
Why Our Work Matters
Black Canadians face significant health disparities influenced by systemic racism and social determinants of health:
- Chronic Diseases: Black women in Ontario experienced a doubling in diabetes rates from 6% to 12% between 2001 and 2012. Additionally, they have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to Black men. blackhealthalliance.ca
- Mental Health: In 2020, 32% of individuals from Black communities reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, compared to 24% of their White counterparts.
- Healthcare Access: Black Canadians are more likely to report fair or poor health (14.2%) compared to White Canadians (11.3%). They also face higher rates of food insecurity and are more likely to live in housing below standards. canada.ca+1camh.ca+1
- HIV/AIDS: Black Canadians are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. For instance, Black males have an increased risk of dying from HIV/AIDS compared to White males, and Black females have an increased risk compared to White females. www150.statcan.gc.ca
Our Commitment
At Legacy Health Initiatives, we are committed to:
- Education: Providing accurate, culturally sensitive health information to empower informed decisions.
- Advocacy: Challenging systemic barriers and promoting policies that ensure equitable healthcare access.
- Community Engagement: Fostering a supportive environment where Black Canadians can share experiences and resources.
Through these efforts, we strive to create a future where health equity is a reality for the Black community.