On Wednesday, Jan. 20, York University joined forces with Mackenzie Health in an innovative new community-focused health collaboration that will aim to enhance health services, training of highly qualified personnel, research and innovation and healthier outcomes for York Region residents, and beyond.
During a virtual signing event on Wednesday, York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton was joined by the President and CEO of Mackenzie Health, Altaf Stationwala, the Mayor of Vaughan, Maurizio Bevilacqua, and the Mayor of Richmond Hill, David Barrow, to celebrate this important milestone and discuss their shared vision and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a two-year agreement that sets out the strategic areas of focus for engagement and cooperation: 1.) Education, Professional, and Community Development, and 2.) Health Research and Innovation. The MOU identifies specific areas of mutual interest that will be explored, including health related research, epidemiology and data sharing, clinical placements and training, professional development education for health sector workers, digital health solutions, and more.
“As we find ourselves amid the second wave of a global pandemic, the questions we are asking about the future of local and global healthcare have very real and timely implications,” said Lenton. “This Memorandum of Understanding will strengthen the partnership between York University and Mackenzie Health, and allow us to contribute toward advancements in research, management, and policy that create healthier communities in York Region and drive positive change both locally and globally.”
Recently, York U has strengthened ties within the York Region health community, including through a 2019 agreement with the City of Vaughan to collaborate on a new Healthcare Centre Precinct.
“Mackenzie Health has enjoyed a long-standing collaborative partnership with York University and the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is yet another way to formalize this partnership,” said Stationwala. “We look forward to finding new ways to work together with the ultimate goal of improving the way we deliver care to residents across western York Region.”
Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional health care provider, which includes the existing Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and the future Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, as well as a comprehensive network of community-based services.