Health PEI begins voluntary race and ethnicity data collection

Health PEI is now collecting voluntary race and ethnicity information through PEI Health Card applications and renewals.

This initiative supports a key priority in the PEI Cancer Action Plan by improving how equity-related health data is collected using respectful and culturally informed approaches.

“Collecting this data will help us better understand differences in health care access, quality, experiences, and outcomes, helping to guide meaningful actions that advance health equity in PEI. This information will only be used at the population level to support health planning and improvement. It will not be used to make decisions about individual care and will not appear on anyone’s PEI Health Card or in their medical chart.” 

— Dr. Karen Phillips, provincial epidemiologist and project co-lead

When applying for or renewing a PEI Health Card, individuals and households will be invited to share their race and ethnicity information on a voluntary basis.  Health cards can be applied for or renewed online, by mail, or in-person at any Access PEI location.

Island residents can also add, update or remove their race and ethnicity information at any time by submitting a Notice of Change to Race and Ethnicity Data Form to PEI Medicare.

A voluntary Resident Experience Survey (FRE/ENG) will be available over the next year, both online and in-person at any Access PEI location. to gather feedback on people’s experience and comfort level with sharing their race and ethnicity information.

This feedback will be used to evaluate and improve the approach, helping to ensure the data is collected in a way that is effective, respectful, and culturally safe.

Media Contacts:
Dave Atkinson
Health PEI
datkinson@ihis.org

Autumn Tremere
Department of Health and Wellness
agtremere@gov.pe.ca