Black Health & Wellness
At Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC), we provide integrated, accessible, and equitable community-based primary care, wellness services, and health education to Durham community members.
Central to our approach is our commitment to providing culturally-affirming care – the goal of which is to help clients feel understood, validated, and supported in their cultural identities and empower them to explore and understand how their cultural backgrounds play a role in their overall health and well-being.
While all our services and programs are open to everyone in the region, we also offer specialized programming tailored to the needs of ACB (African, Caribbean, and Black) community members.
Health Promotion for ACB Community Members
In collaboration with our community partners, members of the Black Health & Wellness Team at DCHC connect with members of the ACB community to provide resources and education designed to address the social determinants of health and improve health equity among ACB community members.
This initiative is a collaborative and collective action that was created to develop supportive social, economic, and physical environments that protect and promote the health of ACB community members.
Our Health Promotion offerings cover a wide range of areas including (but not limited to):
- Health and Social Services: enhancing access to culturally-affirming and socially safe health care and social service programs.
- Chronic Disease Prevention and Management: personalized and group education on how to avoid conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc., through regular activity and exercise. We emphasize the importance of adhering to your health plan, keeping up with regular check-ups, understanding potential risks and complications, and living positively with chronic conditions.
- Sexual health and STBBIs (Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections): providing age-appropriate sexual health education, early identification, treatment of STBBIs, and connection with additional resources.
- Preventive Health: providing education on the importance of regular check-ups, vaccinations, and safe practices to prevent illnesses.
- Nutrition and Healthy Eating: promoting the benefits of making nutritious food choices and how a balanced diet can enhance overall health.
- Physical Activity: providing education/information on how regular exercise contributes to better health outcomes and exploring the various types of physical activities.
- Mental Health and Addiction: supporting mental health through awareness, resources, and interventions aimed at improving mental well-being, substance use, and linkage with timely and culturally safe counselling, care, and support.
- Healthy Relationships: promoting the building and maintaining of positive interpersonal relationships, improving communication skills, and providing support for resolving relationship issues.
- Safety and Injury Prevention: education and awareness around safety practices and injury prevention at home, work, and in the community.
- Health Literacy: enhancing individual and group understanding of health information to allow community members to make informed decisions about their health and wellness.
KLINIKI – DCHC’s Black Health & Wellness Clinic
While all community members are able to access the culturally-affirming care provided at KLINIKI, the clinic particularly provides access for Durham community members of all ages who identify as African, Caribbean, or Black (ACB). Whether you’re seeking routine check-ups, preventive care, or support for specific health concerns, our clinic is here to ensure that you receive compassionate and respectful care that acknowledges and honors your cultural identity.
Full-spectrum primary care support and culturally-affirming care is provided for matters like:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Chronic disease management and prevention
- Prescription renewals
- Women’s health matters
- Mental health counselling
- Referrals for specialized care and support
KLINIKI aims to meet the needs of ACB community members by providing this integral care, while also reinforcing policies and action that address anti-black racism and health inequities facing these community members. We’re committed to creating a welcoming environment where every member of the ACB community feels valued and supported in their health and well-being journey.
Contact Us
To learn more about the programming and health promotion provided by the Black Health & Wellness Team, email blackhealth@durhamchc.ca or call 1-877-227-3217.
To book an appointment at KLINIKI, call 1-877-227-3217.
