Waterloo Regional Health Network - WRHN

Each June, we celebrate Pride Month — and today, we mark the start of it by raising the Two‑Spirit Intersex Inclusive Progressive Pride Flag across Waterloo Regional Health Network - WRHNWaterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). Pride is a time to celebrate, reflect, and honour our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, but it isn’t just a month. Pride is every single day. 🏳️‍🌈

Thanks to the work of our Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG), Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) team, and our clinical and community partners, WRHN has expanded education, strengthened inclusive practices, and improved how we support identity information in care. Later this year, we’ll also introduce an optional pronoun‑badge initiative to help create an even more welcoming environment for team members.

We’re proud to take part in Pride events across the region this month as we continue building a culture where everyone feels seen, respected, and safe.

Guided by our values — Put People First, Find a Way, Be Our Best, and Thrive Together we remain dedicated to creating a space where every person feels respected, supported, and able to belong.

New this year is the WRHN Pride T-shirt! Created by the Pride ERG, these exclusive shirts celebrate inclusion, visibility, and community across WRHN. Grab yours while they last and wear your support with pride from Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation - WRHNF!

➡️ explore.wrhnf.ca/new-apparel

As we welcome the arrival of summer, June offers opportunities to celebrate diversity, recognize important causes, and reflect on the people and communities that shape our lives. ☀️

Pride Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day, World Refugee Day, National Blood Donor Week, World Environment Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, Father's Day, and the Summer Solstice are among the many occasions observed throughout June.

Together, these moments invite us to learn from one another, celebrate different perspectives and experiences, and strengthen the sense of connection that brings our communities together. 💚

Waterloo Regional Health Network - WRHN is hosting a free Community Town Hall in Wellesley on June 4, 2026!

Join us in-person or online to learn more about the health services we provide, connect with local health leaders, and share your ideas on how care and services can continue to be improved across our communities.

Have your voice heard! What ideas do you have for further enhancing care?

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Wellesley Township Recreation Complex (1401 Queens Bush Rd, Wellesley)

Schedule:
6:00–7:00 p.m. – Engagement Boards & Tables
7:00–8:30 p.m. – Community Town Hall (in-person & online)

Special guests joining us from Engage Rural:
• Cathy Harrington
• Ben Hesch

Hear from WRHN leadership, including:
• Ron Gagnon, President & CEO
• Cliff Harvey, Vice President, Redevelopment
• Sarah Farwell, Vice President, Strategy, Communications & Public Affairs
• Janet Davidson, Board Chair
• Doug Earle, CEO, WRHN Foundation

Everyone is welcome!

Learn more or register today at wrhn.ca/communitytownhall

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To join online, visit slido.com and use

Touch that comforts. Connection that heals.

Today is Kangaroo Care Awareness Day, a time to recognize the healing power of touch, connection, and closeness for babies and families.

Kangaroo Care nurtures meaningful moments of comfort and bonding, while supporting healthy growth, emotional well-being, and connection through every step of the newborn journey.

For families navigating the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), these quiet moments of closeness can bring comfort, reassurance, and connection during an incredibly vulnerable time.

To our NICU families, thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey.

And to the incredible team at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN), thank you for making these meaningful moments of connection possible each day through your compassionate guidance, and support.💜

Mark Ideson, Paralympic wheelchair curling gold medalist, joined WRHN @ Chicopee team members to share his journey following a life-changing injury.

He spoke about overcoming challenges, rebuilding, and adapting through change, alongside his Head Coach, Team Physician, and Physiotherapist, whose expertise and support helped shape his path forward.

Thank you, Mark and team, for the powerful reminder of strength, perseverance, and the meaningful difference care teams make every day.