TORONTO, January 20, 2021 – Today, York University joins 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 earlier today, York U President Rhonda L. Lenton was joined by Altaf Stationwala, President & CEO, Mackenzie Health, Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan, and David Barrow, Mayor of Richmond Hill 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.
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.
QUOTES:
“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. 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.” -Rhonda L. Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University
“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. 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.” -Altaf Stationwala, President & CEO, Mackenzie Health
“The new collaboration between York University and Mackenzie Health illustrates how strong partnerships can be truly effective when values, principles and beliefs are perfectly aligned. Together, we will continue to enhance healthcare services, research and innovation for residents in York Region. I want to express my warmest and sincerest gratitude to President Rhonda Lenton, Altaf Stationwala and their dedicated teams for their unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare innovation in Vaughan and beyond.” -Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan
“Mackenzie Health is a community partner in every sense of the word. That’s why I can’t think of a better partner for York University to work with, in developing the research and training that will support our next generation of health professionals.” - David Barrow, Mayor of Richmond Hill
About York University:
York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
About Mackenzie Health:
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. In March 2017, the organization received its second consecutive award of Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada for its commitment to safety and quality patient care. This is the highest rating a Canadian health care provider can receive. Guided by a vision to create the ultimate health experience, Mackenzie Health has an unrelenting focus on the patient and is dedicated to patient needs now and in the future. With over 500,000 residents in southwest York Region, Mackenzie Health is proud to serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada. For more information, please visit mackenziehealth.ca
Media Contacts:
Barbara Joy, York University, 416-333-3374; barbjoy@yorku.ca
Christina Cindric, Mackenzie Health; Christina.Cindric@MackenzieHealth.ca
