Panel to delve into lasting effects of SARS outbreak
TORONTO, April 22, 2005 -- Two years after SARS devastated communities in Southern Ontario, York University is hosting a panel that aims to delve into the human aftermath of the outbreak.
On Friday, April 29, at Toronto City Hall, Harris Ali and Roger Keil, researchers in York’s Faculty of Environmental Studies, will bring together the voices of those most affected by the disease: the individuals who were infected, healthcare and tourism industry workers, and those who were subjected to racial discrimination during the crisis.
What has been done to address the ongoing psychological, social and economic ramifications of this tragedy? In Southern Ontario alone 44 people died, hundreds were infected and thousands were quarantined in two outbreaks in the spring of 2003. In the meantime, there have been government reports, medical reform, and discussions about improved emergency measures for future outbreaks. However, the continuing human impact has been largely neglected.
Representatives will speak on how their constituencies continue to be affected by the SARS outbreak and what still needs to be done to address these issues.
Confirmed Speakers include:
• Cynthia Pay, former President of the Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC)
• Doris Grinspun, Executive Director Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO)
• Dr. Mee Kam Ng, The Centre of Urban Planning & Environmental Management- The University of Hong Kong
• Randy R. Reid, Assistant Chief, Provincial Response and Recovery Programs Emergency Management Ontario (EMO)
• Janet Dassinger, UNITEHERE (a union representing North American needletrades, textiles, industrial, hotel and
restaurant employees)
SARS and the Global City: Two Years After is part of an ongoing research project based in the Faculty of Environmental Studies at York University, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). For more information visit the project website at www.yorku.ca/sars2003 .
WHAT: Panel discussion on SARS and the Global City, entitled, “Two Years After: Perspectives from Affected
Communities"
WHEN: Friday, April 29th, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Toronto City Hall, Committee Room 1
MEDIA
CONTACT: Melissa Hughes, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 x22097
York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 180,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 faculties and 21 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges.
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