#ThisIsCommunityHealth

Dr. Dominik Nowak, President of the Ontario Medical Association, states, “We know 80% of health is actually related to the social determinants. Those things that happen outside of clinics and hospitals have a big impact on health… And what I’ve seen in community health centres is a model that emphasizes the marriage between [the medical model and the model of social care] and acknowledge how important those things are to someone’s healthcare.”

By not only addressing health needs as they arise, but also factors like food security, housing, and affordability of care, community healthcare ensures that individuals receive holistic care that considers all aspects of their lives.

Wraparound Care: A Holistic Approach

Healthcare is more than just treating symptoms – it’s about addressing the whole person. DCHC offers wraparound care through interprofessionve comprehensive support, from medical treatments to counseling services and nutritional guidance. For instance, our registered dietitians provide nutrition-focused counseling and meal planning, while our counselors offer mental health support, recognizing the intrinsic link between physical and mental well-being.

Outreach: Bringing Care to the Community

One of the defining features of community healthcare is its proactive outreach. At DCHC, we understand that barriers such as mobility issues, financial constraints, or geographic limitations can prevent individuals from accessing traditional healthcare settings. To bridge this gap, our Mobile Clinics travel throughout the Durham region, delivering primary care services directly to those in need. Additionally, our virtual care options like the East Region Virtual Care Clinic ensure that clients can consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes, making healthcare more accessible than ever.

Equity-Based Care: Celebrating Diversity Through Culturally-affirming Care

Equity is at the heart of community healthcare. DCHC is committed to providing culturally-affirming care that respects and celebrates the diverse backgrounds of our clients. Our services are designed to help clients feel understood, validated, and supported in their cultural identities. As Dr. Shawn Brar from DCHC notes, “We provide care that’s sensitive to gender, sexual orientation, geography, culture, and language.” By empowering individuals to explore how their cultural backgrounds influence their health, we foster a more inclusive and effective healthcare environment.

Partnerships: Building Healthier Communities Together

Our vision at DCHC is “building healthier communities together.” This vision is realized through our strong partnerships with funders, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Collaborative efforts enable us to offer a wide range of services and programs that might not be possible in isolation. By working together, we can address the social determinants of health—such as housing, food security, and education—that significantly impact individual and community well-being.

Connection: Fostering a Sense of Belonging

Community healthcare thrives on connection. At DCHC, we bring clients and community members together in group settings to strengthen social ties and enhance well-being. Through activities like yoga sessions, healthy movement workshops, and community kitchens, individuals can connect, share experiences, and support each other on their health journeys. These programs not only promote physical health but also cultivate a sense of belonging and community cohesion.

Preventative Care: Meeting People Upstream

Preventative care is a cornerstone of our approach. By “meeting people upstream,” we aim to address health issues before they become acute. This includes harm reduction strategies, cancer screenings, and health education initiatives. Our health promotion team actively engages with the community to raise awareness about healthy living and proactive health management, ensuring that individuals have the knowledge and resources to establish and maintain their well-being.

Educational Initiatives: Empowering Through Knowledge

Education is a powerful tool for health empowerment. Through our Learning Hub, DCHC offers courses that teach new skills and support personal and professional development. From health and wellness workshops to vocational training, these educational opportunities enable community members to take charge of their health and future. By promoting health literacy and continuous learning, we equip individuals with the tools they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Community healthcare is the cornerstone of a robust and inclusive healthcare system in Canada. It ensures that individuals receive comprehensive, accessible, and culturally-sensitive care tailored to their unique needs. At Durham Community Health Centre, we embody this approach by offering integrated services that not only address immediate health concerns but also emphasize prevention and wellness.

In conclusion, community healthcare is not just a component of the healthcare system; it is its foundation. By focusing on outreach, wraparound services, equitable care, partnerships, connection, preventative care, and education, organizations like DCHC ensure that healthcare is comprehensive, inclusive, and effective.

Join us in promoting the importance of CHCs by adding your voice to the #ThisIsCommunityHealth campaign. We invite other community healthcare organizations to join us in highlighting the importance of meeting people upstream and addressing healthcare needs proactively.

Together, we can build healthier communities for all.