HEART (Health Equity Advocacy Response Team) is a student-led organization advancing health equity through advocacy, education, outreach, and community partnerships, founded at York University with branches at universities across Ontario.

How can students join HEART?

Students can join by selecting their campus branch on the Join page. York and Western branches currently provide active join links, and McMaster updates are shared as the chapter launches.

Where does HEART run events and outreach?

HEART runs workshops, advocacy initiatives, and outreach through branch chapters and local community partnerships, with updates posted on the Events page and Instagram.

Student-led • Est. 2024

HEART advocates for health equity on university campuses.

HEART (Health Equity Advocacy Response Team) is a student-led organization that advances health equity by addressing systemic, social, and economic barriers through advocacy, education, outreach, and community partnerships — founded at York University, with branches at universities across Ontario.

Join HEART at your campus Learn about HEART's mission

Community partnerships
Health education & workshops
Advocacy campaigns

Health equity Community action

Want updates? Follow us on Instagram @heart_yorku.

Our Mission

To advocate, educate, and act in response to health inequities by empowering communities, supporting evidence-based initiatives, and fostering inclusive healthcare systems.

Advocacy

Raise awareness about health disparities and support equity-focused change.

Education

Share evidence-based resources and promote accessible health learning.

Community Action

Partner with organizations and volunteer to reduce barriers to care.

What We Do

HEART turns awareness into action through outreach, education, advocacy, and collaboration.

Community engagement

Volunteer with local partners and support community-centered initiatives.

Research & awareness

Highlight inequities through data, storytelling, and student-led initiatives.

Workshops & resources

Deliver health education and share inclusive, accessible resources.

Advocacy campaigns

Promote equity-focused change and support marginalized communities.

Get involved

HEART welcomes students from all disciplines — public health, nursing, psychology, policy, sciences, arts, and more.

Join HEART View events Follow @heart_yorku

Explore HEART branches

Connect with HEART chapters across campuses and discover branch-specific events, initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.

HEART York University

Join the founding chapter focused on local health equity initiatives and student advocacy.

Visit York branch

HEART Western University

See Western branch programs, collaborations, and upcoming opportunities to get involved.

Visit Western branch

Frequently asked questions

What does HEART focus on?

HEART focuses on reducing barriers to health through student-led advocacy, community education, outreach, and partnerships.

Can students from any program join?

Yes. HEART welcomes students from all disciplines, including health sciences, social sciences, policy, arts, and more.

How do I stay updated?

Follow @heart_yorku and check the Events page for workshops, outreach opportunities, and campaign updates.