As one of Canada’s most diverse cities, Surrey is home to people from a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, identities and experiences. This diversity is one of our city’s greatest strengths. However, it also serves as a reminder that building an equitable health care system requires intention, listening and a commitment to understanding the unique needs of all the people who call Surrey home.
As the dedicated foundation supporting this city’s public health facilities, we understand how philanthropy has an important role to play in helping build a health system where everyone feels seen, respected and supported. Through our partnership with Fraser Health, we are committed to advancing initiatives that improve access to care and health outcomes for all members of our community.
Why Diversity Matters in Health Care
This June, across Canada and in Surrey, communities are celebrating their diversity, from National Indigenous History Month to Pride Month. This is an opportunity to honour the vibrant mosaic of people, cultures and identities that shape our city and to reflect on the important work still needed to ensure everyone can access safe, compassionate and culturally responsive care.
Supporting Indigenous Health in Surrey
Surrey has one of the largest indigenous urban populations in BC. For many Indigenous Peoples, the journey to urban centres has been shaped by generations of displacement, barriers to opportunity and the lasting impacts of colonial policies. While cities can offer greater access to health care, Indigenous Peoples continue to face significant challenges, including barriers to culturally safe care and disconnection from traditional supports and community.
Advancing Inclusive Care for 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities
At the same time, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual) community continue to experience significant health disparities. Statistics Canada reports that nearly one in three 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians aged 15 and older describe their mental health as fair or poor, underscoring the importance of ensuring health services are responsive to everyone’s needs.
Building a More Equitable Health System Together
Our role as a foundation is to foster that openness by partnering with you on supporting inclusive spaces and tangible actions that improve health outcomes, cultural safety and access to care for Indigenous Peoples. It’s the same principle that extends to the Foundation’s commitment to supporting inclusive care for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
Our work does not stop there. We are committed to supporting inclusive, culturally safe care for the many diverse communities that call Surrey home. While the efforts may look different for each community, our belief remains the same belief: every person deserves access to care that recognizes and respects their unique experiences, identities and needs.
Thanks to the generosity of donors who believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, inclusive care, meaningful progress is taking place across our health system.
At Surrey Hospitals Foundation, we’re here for you. We’re here for every person seeking care, every family navigating a health challenge, and every community that deserves to feel seen, respected and supported.
With your continued support, we can help create a future where everyone has access to care that recognizes their unique needs and experiences, improving health outcomes for all.
Resources:
Indigenous Health Liaisons in Fraser Health
Indigenous Health Resources in Fraser Health
