RNAO’s Black Nurses Task Force (BNTF) released a report on Feb. 8 that addresses the systemic anti-Black racism and discrimination that exists in nursing. The report includes 19 recommendations to tackle structural racism targeted towards and experienced by Black nurses within nursing organizations, regulatory bodies, associations and the broader health-care system.

The task force is co-chaired by former RNAO president Dr. Angela Cooper Brathwaite and RNAO member NP Corsita Garraway. In the Toronto Star (Feb. 8), Garraway shared the story of an older Black woman who did not get treatment for gangrene because those caring for her hadn’t recognized the blackness of her foot from the gangrene against her dark skin. “I feel like people don’t always take the time when they see us,” she said. On CTV News (Feb. 8), Brathwaite shared that throughout her studies, including her master’s degree and PhD, she never had a class that was taught by a Black instructor. “I have attended three different universities…I have never had a Black professor in any of my courses,” she said.

BNTF is calling for an end to anti-Black racism within nursing and the dismantling of systemic racism in Ontario. Learn more about the report in our media release.