Grant: Team Grant: STEPS - Public Sector

Anti-Black racism harms the health of Black people in Canada. It shapes everyday conditions like income, housing, employment, food security, and interactions with public institutions, contributing to higher stress, chronic disease, and poorer overall health. Public health has a key role to play, yet many professionals lack the training or support needed to address anti-Black racism in practice. In 2025, the Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada (Release 2.0) emphasized anti-racism and respect for the rights of people of African descent. Building on this, the Black Health Education Collaborative developed Core Competencies on Black Health and Addressing Anti-Black Racism in Public Health, along with the Black Health Primer-an accredited training course that has reached more than 1,500 learners nationwide. While training improves knowledge and confidence, education alone is not enough to change how public health systems operate. This three-year research project asks: What public health system structures and ways of working are needed to put Black health competencies into everyday practice? Working with Middlesex-London Health Unit, the project will combine workforce training with organizational change. Staff will complete the Black Health Primer, participate in facilitated workshops, and-with input from other public health organizations-co-develop a practical framework and toolkit that embeds Black health competencies into policies, programs, decision-making, and accountability processes. The project will examine what supports or hinders implementation and what is needed for sustained action. Findings will inform practical tools that public health organizations across Canada can adapt. By strengthening both workforce skills and organizational systems, this project aims to support more equitable public health practice and improve health outcomes for Black communities.