The Black CAP Board
Camille Orridge
Chair
Camille Orridge
Chair
Camille Orridge is the former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TC LHIN), one of 14 health regions that was responsible for planning and managing local health care services. In this capacity, Camille was responsible for the overall budget of $4.2 billion with 170 providers including hospitals, long-term care homes, and community agencies. Camille was also accountable for shared services for all 14 LHINs. The collection of health equity data was a significant accomplishment and while there, Camille led initiatives to implement and advance health equity data in order to use the data to inform policy and programs. Camille retired from the TC LHIN in the fall of 2015.
Earlier in her career, Camille held various positions at the Home care Program for Metropolitan Toronto and in early 2007, went from there to the Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre as the CEO. A not-for-profit corporation funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Toronto Central CCAC had a budget of $190 million, a staff of 480 and served a population of close to 1.5 million residents in the city.
In both of those roles, Camille focused on developing equity data and continued her passion for an equity driven health system. This also included advancing this work outside of a paid role. Being a founding member of the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention and cofounder to Pathways to Education are just two examples of Camille’s dedication in this area.
In retirement, Camille continues to be involved in social policy advocacy groups, including the Federal Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare, working with Ontario Health to develop the framework and data governance structure, and the Wellesley Institute. With many years’ experience as a creative leader, Camille continues to mentor and promote the abilities of the next generation of leaders in the health and community care sectors. Camille has received many accolades and awards for her passionate advocacy for equity for all and through that developing strong and inclusive communities. Most recently, Camille received a Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, 2022 from the University of Toronto, for her leadership in the healthcare sector.
Angela Robertson
Vice-Chair
Angela Robertson
Vice-Chair
Angela Robertson is the executive director of Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre. Parkdale Queen West is a $30 million dollar budget community-based health service organization serving mid and west Toronto. Angela is dedicated to people and communities facing discrimination, poverty and marginalization and working to change those social conditions.
She is a founding member of Blockorama, which focuses on forging spaces for Black and other racialized LGBTQ+ people and allies in Toronto’s Pride, and has served on numerous community Boards, including Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention from 2006 – 20012, Houselink, Canadian Women’s and the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Angela has been recognized for her social justice work by the YWCA, Fred Victor Centre, Urban Alliance on Race Relations, NOW magazine and was honoured by York University in 2017 with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for her social justice work. Angela was a member of the former Toronto Black Women’s Collective, and a staff at Women’s Educational Press, Women’s College Hospital and Ontario Women’s Issues Ministry under the NDP government. Angela co-authored with Dr. Enakshi Dua the book, Scratching the surface: Canadian anti-racist, feminist thought, 1999.
In response to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on racialized and low-income populations, Angela initiated and co-chair a Black Health Equity Working Group of health sector experts, leaders, practitioners, and researchers concerned with improving the health and wellbeing of Black people. For her work she was recognized by the Alliance of Healthier Communities with the Denise Brooks Equity Champion Award and the Pillar of the Pandemic recognition award from the U of T’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
Chris Leonard
Treasurer
Chris Leonard
Treasurer
Chris Leonard (she/her) is a long time Black CAP member, past staff ending work at the organization in 2020, and whose connection with the organization began as a volunteer in 1991. Over the years, her dedication to fostering positive change in the lives of HIV positive and queer, trans and gender diverse African, Caribbean and Black people remain steadfast and unequivocal.
Chris is a process facilitator and trainer committed to worker wellness, community building and social justice. Over the past 36 years, she has worked extensively with individuals impacted by violence, the overdose crisis, grief, loss and trauma. She also supports communities and organizations to resolve conflict situations using restorative dialogue and practices.
Junior Harrison
Secretary
Junior Harrison
Secretary
Junior Harrison is a Black HIV/AIDS activist, Feminist, and a founding member of Blackness Yes! Producers of the Blockorama stage at Pride Toronto. Previous Board Member in the early 90’s and lifelong volunteer of the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP). Junior has been an outspoken voice for Black gay PHA’s and an advocate for Black queer visibility in Toronto.
Do you think that HIV/AIDS is a crisis in Toronto’s Black communities and do you have a VISION for the future of HIV/AIDS programming in Toronto?
Would you like to LEAD the growth and development of an organization focused on supporting people living with, and at risk for, HIV/AIDS?
Are you interested in FUNDRAISING to address HIV/AIDS in our community?
If you do, Black CAP would like you to consider joining its Board of Directors.
The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) is Canada’s largest Black-specific AIDS service organization and has worked to respond to HIV and AIDS in Toronto’s African, Caribbean and Black communities since 1989. Our work is guided by our motto, ‘Because All Black People’s Lives Are Important’, which serves as a reminder of our commitment to the human rights of all Black people who are vulnerable to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Black CAP’s mission is to reduce the spread of HIV infection within Toronto’s African, Caribbean and Black communities and enhance the quality of life of Black people living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS
We provide services to heterosexual women and men; gay, lesbian, trans, bisexual, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) people; newcomers; youth; and others in every aspect of our work. Black CAP works to reduce the high rates of HIV in Toronto and supports people living with HIV through outreach, prevention, support and volunteer programming. At Black CAP we recognize the unique impact of anti-Black racism and the stigma associated with HIV and sexual orientation. We also acknowledge the importance of confidentiality and have strict policies in place to protect the privacy of our clients.
Black CAP is a responsive and sustainable organization led by an empowered Board. Our Board fosters an environment where leadership is mentored. Black CAP is recruiting four (4) new Board members who can support the development of the organization. Board members are also asked to commit to a three-year term and are required to attend monthly Board meetings and at least one additional meeting per month. Board members are also expected to support agency fundraising and promote our work.
We are seeking Board members who are engaged in Toronto’s African, Caribbean and Black communities. Black CAP’s Board is also highly committed to recruiting PHAs (people living with HIV/AIDS) to lead the development of the organization and we strongly encourage PHAs to consider this opportunity. This year we are also focused on ensuring that the Board is balanced in relation to gender, gender identity, HIV status and age. We are also seeking members with knowledge of the impact of HIV in Toronto’s Black communities and skills/knowledge related to marketing and communications.
If you are interested in applying, please click here to apply. Completed applications must be returned by email to board@black-cap.com. If you have any questions please email us at board@black-cap.com
