What is a Community Health Centre?
Community Health Centres (CHC) are non-profit organizations that provide primary health care and health promotion programs for individuals, families and communities. A CHC is established and governed by a community-elected Board of directors.
A Community Health Centre (CHC) provides health care that focuses on serving the most vulnerable members of the community. CHC’s take an inter-disciplinary approach to health and clients can access a variety of health professionals to help address their health and wellness needs. CHC’s also consider the health of the community and work to address the social determinants of health.
The Community Health Centres of Northumberland (CHCN) offer primary healthcare as well as a wide range of health and wellness programs and services to clients in Port Hope and the surrounding communities. In particular, the CHCN strives to give priority to specific target populations identified as the elderly with complex chronic conditions, those struggling with mental health and/or addictions, those living with precarious housing or food insecurity and/or social isolation, as well as youth at risk.
The CHCN’s interdisciplinary healthcare team works with individual clients and community agencies to build a healthier community by offering an extensive range of health and wellness programs, workshops and seminars. These include a diabetes education program, pain management programs, geriatric and dietary consultants, oral health program and mental health and addictions counselling services. The CHCN also offers a community food cupboard providing emergency provisions to those in need.
What are the Social Determinants of Health?
Lifestyle, living and work conditions have a strong influence on health. The social determinants of health are those conditions research has identified as having the greatest impact on health. These include, but are not limited to, income, level of education, food security, social exclusion, housing, accessibility of health services, gender, employment, justice, race/culture and healthy child development, as well as issues related to smoking, alcohol and drug addiction.
The CHCN, through direct service and community partnerships, works within Northumberland County to strengthen healthcare services, address the social determinants of health and improve the quality of life for Northumberland County residents.
How do we build better health in the community?
The CHCN actively works to identify gaps and emerging needs in healthcare services. We work with individuals, families and communities to strengthen their capacity to take more responsibility for their health and well-being. We provide education and advice to families, helping them access the resources they need. We link families and individuals with support and self-help groups that offer peer education, support in addressing conditions that affect health. We hope that, through these methods, we contribute to the development of healthy communities.
What professional disciplines are available at the Community Health Centres of Northumberland?
Physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, diabetes health educators, dietitians, pharmacists, dentists and hygienists, and health promotors all play an important role at the CHCN. Administrative staff such as medical and program secretaries, administrative professionals, bookkeepers provide support to clinical team members.
What is a healthcare team at the CHCN?
We work from an interdisciplinary philosophy and believe that everyone in the client’s circle of care is part of a team. This can include internal and external professionals, care givers and family members. We have teams that include physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, dietitians, occupational therapists etc.
Is this where I can get a doctor?
When someone completes an application process for primary care, they may be assigned either a doctor or a nurse practitioner as their primary health care provider. It should be noted that we have a wait list and give priority to those who do not have a primary health care provider, those with multiple chronic conditions and those who face barriers to accessing health care.
What is the role of the nurse practitioners?
Nurse practitioners (NP) are registered nurses with an advanced level of education who are qualified to provide a broader scope of services similar to those delivered by a doctor. Nurse practitioners can perform annual physicals, order diagnostic tests, write prescriptions, make referrals to medical specialists, treat chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension and osteoarthritis), provide care during pregnancy, treat common illness and injury, etc.
At the CHCN nurse practitioners carry their own caseload and their clients see them as their primary health care provider. Our NP’s and physicians work closely together and will often consult with each other on complex health issues.
Why am I called a client and not a patient?
A “client” is defined as a person who is a customer or a receiver of advice, recommendations, or support which they can actively choose to take action on or not. While a “patient” is defined as a person who is receiving a treatment from a professional (usually a doctor or a nurse) and is often seen as the passive recipient of the intervention being applied. Community Health Centres partner with the people who consult them and include such individuals in whatever choices are made regarding their health and well-being. Therefore, the term “client” seems more fitting than the word “patient” and fits better with how CHC’s choose to participate and work in partnership with people.
What is primary care?
Primary care is the foundation of people’s health care: it supports people throughout their lifetime, from birth to death, providing comprehensive care that promotes health and well-being and prevents, detects, treats and manages illnesses. High-quality primary care is client-focused, meaning that the care provided considers the person, not just the illness being treated; it connects people to other parts of the system when needed; and it provides ongoing care for people with chronic illnesses.
How do I become a client of the Community Health Centres of Northumberland?
The CHCN family doctors and nurse practitioners are only available to residents who do not have a local family physician. To become a client of the CHCN, individuals must complete a registration form that is available on-line or at the Port Hope Centre. Presently there is a waiting list and priority is given to individuals who do not have a health care provider and are:
- elderly with multiple complex chronic conditions
- struggling with mental health issues and/or addictions
- living with precarious housing, including social housing and food insecurity
- youth at risk.
Although primarily based in Port Hope, the CHCN has no boundaries within Northumberland County and serves many clients residing in Cobourg, Campbellford, Alderville and the many smaller communities within the county.
Why does the CHCN concentrate on people who have had difficulty accessing health care?
Our mandate from our funders is to serve those whose needs are more complex, are possibly not insured and who may require more time with their provider due to multiple chronic conditions, and/or experience other barriers to health care. Part of our model of care is to ensure that those who have experienced difficulty accessing care are able to receive it in an equitable way.
What do you mean by saying you will partner with my family?
When appropriate and comfortable for a client, and if the client chooses, we will gladly involve anyone that supports the client in their health journey. This could be family members, friends, neighbours or other types of care givers. Clients can ask them to come with them for support them during appointments or to be involved in coordinated care planning.
What is the difference between health and well-being?
In the simplest terms, health is often defined as the “absence of illness or disease” whereas well-being is defined as “the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy”. In recent years, organizations such as CHC’s and the World Health Organization are re-defining health and well-being to be more interchangeable.
What’s done to promote an individual’s health?
Individuals are given education and tools to assist and empower them to strive for an improved quality of life. This is known as ‘health promotion’. Our centre offers many programs and workshops that help people to achieve better health outcomes. We also actively promote health through awareness campaigns targeting specific health issues, for example: healthy eating, anti-bullying, cancer screening etc.
What kind of organizations does the CHCN partner with?
We partner with the Northumberland Hills Hospital, specialist physicians, the Northumberland Family Health Team and other health and social services, public health agencies or businesses who share a vision to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Who runs the CHCN?
The CHCN is governed by a community Board of Directors who hire an Executive Director to oversee the day to day operations through the staff and volunteers.
What additional health and wellness programs are offered?
In addition to the primary health care services, CHCN offers a wide variety of other health and wellness programs including the following departments:
Diabetes Education Clinic (DEC). Diabetes is a rising health care concern in Canada and in Northumberland. Many people are at high risk for diabetes or are already diagnosed with this condition and dealing with management of the disease and its related health risks. This program offers a wide variety of help: one on one educational support and monitoring, cooking classes, self-management groups and strategies, outreach to rural areas, peer support for Type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes management, annual foot screening, referral for eye care and foot care, access to an endocrinologist, insulin pump starts, drop in service for quick check-ins and much more.
Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network (GAIN). The GAIN program assists people who are frail and elderly who have complex medical needs and who are showing sign of conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, who are vulnerable, at risk for falls, have had several hospital visits etc. The GAIN team is made up of a nurse practitioner, home care coordinators, an occupational therapist, social worker, pharmacist, behavioural support nurse and personal support workers. These team members provide comprehensive geriatric assessments to help determine what services are needed both by these elderly individuals and by their families. They then provide interventions based on these assessments and advocate, link and transition individuals to the geriatric services they need.
Health B.E.A.T. Services. This program encompasses all of the services related to Belonging, Equity, Activity and Therapy. The CHCN is dedicated to health promotion and keeping people as healthy and happy as possible. We believe in empowering people with the skills and support they need to be well despite barriers such as chronic disease, loneliness, lack of meaningful activity, food insecurity, low income, mental illness, addiction concerns and limited physical ability etc. CHCN offers many programs and services that help to address all of these issues and can help beat the obstacles getting in the way of a healthier lifestyle and meaningful activity. The Calendar of Events lists programs that range from a food cupboard, exercise classes, cooking workshops, mindfulness groups, smoking cessation support, peer support groups, chronic disease self-management education, community lunches, dancing, yoga, social clubs, etc.
Dental Services. The CHCN believes that good oral health is an important part of good overall health. Our dental team includes dentists, hygienists and dental assistants who provide dental care 5 days per week especially but not only to those who cannot access dental care because of financial hardship. This includes those receiving Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support and those with a low annual income who do not have access to dental benefits. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing dental care because of financial barriers you can apply for assistance by completing our Dental Subsidy Application. The completed form can be faxed to 905-885-2646 or 905-885-7057, emailed to the dentalclinic@porthopechc.ca or dropped off at the centre.
Children under 18 in need of dental treatment may qualify for coverage through programs offered by the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Heath Unit. For more information please call the Health Unit at 905-885-9100.
And more…
The CHCN also offers a variety of health and wellness seminars, workshops and programs that are open to anyone in the community and are often free of charge. Participants are not required to be registered clients of the CHCN (that is, the CHCN is not their primary healthcare provider). These programs are designed to:
- help participants manage chronic diseases such as the diabetes education program or the chronic disease self-management program;
- encourage physical and mental health practices that promote optimal health e.g. healthy eating programs, exercise groups, skills for dealing with anxiety and stress, women’s wellness groups;
- provide education and support to prevent disease and reduce risks e.g. smoking cessation groups, flu shot clinics etc.
Is this covered by OHIP or do I have to pay?
The services provided to our clients are funded directly through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. A limited number of programs charge a small fee to cover unfunded costs such as food for cooking classes, yoga instructors course manuals etc., however, these can be subsidized or waived based on ability to pay.
Calendar of Events
A quarterly calendar of events is available on the website at the CHCN office or by mail. The calendar lists all the programs and activities that are available to the general public, usually at no charge. Individuals may register at the CHCN on listed registration days or by calling the CHCN at 905-885-2626. ext 280
Are there volunteer opportunities at the CHCN?
The CHCN has an active group of committed volunteers. Anyone can apply to volunteer at the centre by filling out an application form which can be accessed on the CHCN website or at the front desk at the CHCN. Volunteer jobs range from a few hours a month, to a few days a week. Volunteers are involved in putting together information packages, helping collect statistics, helping out with registrations and special events, working in the food cupboard program, making soups or meals for community lunches/food cupboard, running exercise programs, making reminder calls, helping in the community garden, distributing the calendar of events, etc. The Coordinator of Volunteers will work hard to match your skills and interests to the areas in need of help.
Annually, there is a request to the community for people who are interested in applying for a position on the board of Directors. Application forms are available at the front desk in April and May. This is a great way to offer your skills and time and wisdom to this important organization.
How can I donate to the CHCN?
You can donate by:
- Visiting our website and clicking on the DONATE NOW button
- Sending your donation in the mail to the attention of the Director of Corporate Services, 99 Toronto Rd., Port Hope, Ontario L1A 3S5 or for further information call the Director of Corporate Services at 905-885-2626 ext. 213
In-kind donations are also accepted which include:
- Items for our food cupboard
- Gently used winter coats during our coat campaign
- New mitts, scarves and hats for our Christmas tree in December
- Giving your time to volunteer
*The Community Health Centres of Northumberland is a registered charity. Any donation over $10.00 will receive a charitable tax receipt. Our Registered Charity number is; 852859198RR0001
