About HEART
HEART (Health Equity Advocacy Response Team) is a student-led organization dedicated to advancing health equity by addressing systemic, social, and economic barriers that prevent individuals and communities from achieving optimal health.
Our Vision
A world where every individual—regardless of background—has equal opportunity to achieve optimal health.
Our Mission
Advocate, educate, and act in response to health inequities through community-centered initiatives.
What is Health Equity?
Ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible by removing barriers.
Barriers we address: poverty, discrimination, access gaps, language barriers, educational gaps, and more.
Our Values
Equity
Fairness and justice in access to health resources, education, and care.
Inclusion
Respect for all identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
Integrity
Ethical, evidence-based action and responsible community partnerships.
Collaboration
Working with communities, not over them—listening first, acting with care.
How We Work
HEART focuses on community-centered work that is student-led, collaborative, and grounded in health equity. We aim to learn from communities, support existing efforts, and contribute where students can be useful.
Student-led
York University students help shape initiatives, outreach, and advocacy priorities.
Community-centered
We value listening, partnership, and responsive action over one-size-fits-all programming.
Interdisciplinary
Students from different programs and lived experiences can contribute to equity-focused work.