Canadian Pharmacists Association
Canadian Pharmacists Association

February marks Black History Month in Canada—an important time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Black Canadians. We must also reflect on Black health in Canada and the anti-Black racism that continues to impact our pharmacy colleagues and patients.

On this page we’ve gathered some links, information and resources to help support diversity, equity and inclusion for our Black pharmacist colleagues and the patients we serve. Happy Black History Month!

Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada

Established in October 2023, the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC) is a national organization that aims to lead with excellence in practice amongst Black pharmacy professionals and promote equity in practice for Black pharmacy professionals and patients.  Learn more about BPPC Membership.

Follow BPPC on social media! (Instagram, FacebookLinkedIn)

 

Amplifying voices beyond the month: Black pharmacist perspectives on pathways to equitable health care

Watch the recording of our January 15, 2025, IDEA Dialogues session for a thought-provoking conversation about the pivotal role Black pharmacists play in shaping a more equitable health-care system. Our panellists also explored health disparities disproportionately impacting Black communities, how inequities influence patient outcomes, the power of representation and advocacy in fostering trust and breaking down barriers in underserved populations, and more. The webinar was hosted in collaboration with the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada. 

    Addressing systemic bias and racism in our therapeutic content

    There is a long history of systemic racism and bias in health-care education and publications. As a leading publisher of drug and therapeutic information, CPhA recognizes our responsibility and the role our content can play in ensuring equitable care.

    As part of our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, CPhA’s editorial team has undertaken an extensive review of all CPhA clinical content in order to identify, assess and address instances of bias, racism or discrimination. Some of the specific initiatives that are currently underway include:

    • Critically assess all content referring to race/skin colour to validate claims or update content
    • Source and add images representing diverse skin colours
    • Develop content around assessment of dermatologic conditions in all skin colours since the presentation can vary significantly depending on the amount of melanin present
    • Establish and implement language to improve descriptions of health conditions that are biased towards white skin (e.g., changing “red man syndrome” to “vancomycin infusion reaction,” reducing or removing use of the term “erythema”)

    Learn more about our efforts to address systemic bias and racism in our clinical content.

    CPS chapter: Dermatological Considerations in Skin of Colour

    In 2024, CPhA published an important new CPS chapter: Dermatological Considerations in Skin of Colour. With dozens of images and tips for patient assessment, the chapter aims to address the underrepresentation of diversity in clinical education and literature concerning the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in individuals with skin of colour.

    Recording - CPS Health-Care Symposium 

    Watch the Dermatological Considerations in Skin of Colour session recording from our recent CPS Health-Care Symposium, which explored a range of topics related to diversity and equitable care.

    Historically, there has been an underrepresentation of diversity in clinical education and literature regarding the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in skin of colour, putting these patients at risk of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. In this session, Dr. Ravina Sanghera addresses this knowledge gap by discussing health inequities in dermatology, the physiologic/functional differences between skin colours and common cultural practices affecting the skin and hair. She also discuss how the presentation/management of common dermatological conditions may differ in darkly pigmented skin compared with lightly pigmented skin as well as dermatological conditions that occur predominantly in skin of colour.

    CPhA Pharmacy Check-in series

    As part of our Pharmacy Check-in series, we’ve connected with some of our Black pharmacist colleagues to talk about diversity, creating safe spaces and why pharmacists play a key role in advocating for inclusive health care. Stay tuned throughout the month for more check-ins! 

    Afomia Gebre, BSc (Pharm), ACPR (she/her)
    Ottawa, ON

    Meet Afomia

    Christine Amoko  (she/her)
    Winnipeg, MB

    Meet Christine

    Helen Ali, RPh  (she/her)
    Yellowknife, YT

    Meet Helen 

    Social media accounts follow

    Listening and learning are critical steps in creating change. Here are a few social media accounts you can check out to learn more about Black health and supporting Black patients and health professionals:

    • Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada: @blackpharmacycanada (Instagram, LinkedIn)
    • University of Toronto Black Pharmacy Students’ Association: @uoftbpsa (Instagram)
    • University of Alberta Black Pharmacy Students’ Association: @bpsa_uofa (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)
    • Mary Adegboyega: @OreSupasta (Instagram, YouTube, Twitter)
    • Black Physicians of Canada: @blackphysiciansofcanada (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
    • Dr. Bolanle Aina (Black pharmacist & medical writer in Winnipeg, MB): @dr.pharmabolly (Instagram)
    • Moses Boachie (Black pharmacist & content creator in Quebec): @lepharmacoach (Instagram, TikTok)
    • Chinelo Uddoh (Black pharmacist & digital health consultant for Deloitte in Ottawa): @a_digital_health_story (Instagram, YouTube)
    • Havalee Johnson (Black internationally trained Pharmacist in Ontario): @immigrant_pharmassist (Instagram)
    • Dr. Bimpe Ayeni (Black cosmetic surgeon at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, ON): @drbimpe (Instagram, Facebook)
    • Dr. Jude Obi (Black British doctor, who completed a fellowship at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto): @drjude_ (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok)
    • Dr. Phyllis Pobee (Family & Cosmetic Physician, Ontario): @dr.phyllispobee (Instagram)
    • Chidiebere Ibe (Medical illustrator for Black patients): @ebereillustrate (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)

    Last updated: February 2025