Mental health leader calls for culturally inclusive care

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Claudia Barning, program director of the Mental Health and Addictions Program at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, is advocating for equitable mental health services for Black individuals.

Barning, who immigrated to Canada from Ghana as a child, said her personal journey has shaped her leadership approach and deepened her understanding of systemic barriers affecting Black communities.

“As a Black woman, I take nothing for granted,” she said. “I lead by example, mentoring in a way that supports and empowers those around me while being clear about my expectations.”

She acknowledges the challenges Black individuals face.

Barning said Black individuals face unique challenges in accessing mental health services, including financial barriers, systemic racism, and a lack of culturally competent care.

These issues can lead to misdiagnosis, misinterpretation of cultural norms, and breakdowns in communication between providers and patients.

Barning also pointed to historical trauma caused by the medical field, which she said continues to erode trust and widen disparities in care.

“While there has been some progress, we still have a long way to go in addressing systemic barriers and the stigma that impacts trust and engagement. There is evidence to suggest the Black community faces disproportionate challenges in accessing mental health services,” she said.

She emphasized the need for healthcare providers to offer culturally responsive care by engaging with Black community leaders, removing access barriers, and equipping families with tools to navigate the system.

“This is due in part to systemic issues such as timely access, financial constraints, and discrimination from providers.”

She also highlighted historical trauma inflicted by the medical field, which she said has contributed to distrust and worsened disparities in mental health care. While progress has been made, she believes more must be done to dismantle systemic barriers and reduce stigma.

“Service delivery models and the lack of culturally appropriate resources to address health inequity, economic insecurity, and racism within the Black community need to remain a priority at all levels,” she said.

Barning emphasized that mental health awareness should not be confined to Black History Month but be part of an ongoing dialogue that promotes education and advocacy.

“There are many culturally appropriate strategies to help reduce stigma,” she said.

“We need to be inclusive in our planning, take the time to engage, and ask questions with a keen interest in learning and validating different perspectives.”

She said healthcare providers must offer culturally responsive care by working with Black community leaders, eliminating barriers to access, and equipping families with tools to navigate the system.

For Barning, leadership is about creating opportunities for others, just as mentors once did for her.

She remains committed to supporting her team, leveraging strengths, and ensuring Black voices are heard in discussions about mental health care.