It is hard to believe that another year has come to a close, and with it brings reflection, and anticipation as to what might be next. Many of us are entering 2022 with trepidation as we look back on the last two years and what it has meant in our personal lives, our communities, and around the world. I’m sure that most of us never thought that we would witness what we have since March of 2020, in fact much of the past two years seems somewhat surreal. Do you remember when masks seemed odd for tasks such as grocery shopping? Fast forward to today and they have become as essential and ‘normal’ as leaving the house with your wallet and keys.
‘Normal’ is in fact a state that’s in question at all times nowadays. The guidance for how to ‘live safely’ continues to change rapidly. Nobody has been unaffected by this pandemic. Our children and youth have had two years of tumultuous schooling, workplaces have been forced to figure out how to support virtual and remote environments where possible, and some industries have faced tremendous hardships leading to small-business closures and loss of work for employees. Of course, the burden on our healthcare system has been enormous, with efforts to continue services wherever possible, provide COVID testing and vaccinations, all while facing what is known as a “health human resource” crisis.
We at the Community Health Centres of Northumberland are trying to navigate the current reality alongside everyone else, we continue to work towards fulfilling our mission and we are regularly reminded of those who have been hit the hardest. Vulnerable populations such as the frail elderly who cannot have family or visitors into their home, or those who are forced to isolate without ease of access to food. It is certainly difficult to witness our friends, our neighbours or our family members struggle.
At the CHCN, we don’t have all of the answers, but we do have a very dedicated team of 64 staff members who are coming up with innovative ways to provide supports, to try and help our communities stay safe, and healthy. We work with an incredible network of local partners, through the OHT-Northumberland, and otherwise, who share our common goal of supporting Northumberland County and its residents.
We continue to provide all of our services including; primary care, diabetes education, mental-health counselling services, geriatric assessments, dental services and more. Many services are being performed virtually, but we do our best to assess an individuals’ need to be seen in-person. Our Community Team is still offering workshops and classes virtually, and our food security programming has not stopped providing weekly food boxes and healthy meals to those in need.
While I admit that I am somewhat relieved to see 2021 come to an end, I would be remiss not to acknowledge that through these trying times, the strength of the human spirt is very much evident within our centre, and our communities. I will continue to optimistically look into the future with hope, planning for the day when we can welcome everyone back on site, all staff, volunteers, clients and visitors because what makes us a Community Health Centre is people.
Although 2021 was a challenging year, I am proud of how we were able to rise to the challenge and continue to serve our community. As we welcome a new year with optimism and hope I know that 2021 reminded me how truly thankful I am to be part of wonderful organization and community that inspires me to better every day.
Warmly,
Taryn Rennicks
