While I have worked at the CHCN for many years, I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been selected for the role of Executive Director. After a rigorous recruitment campaign headed by our Board of Directors, 2020 ended on a high note for me when I was offered the opportunity to lead an organization whose values and vision I believe in so firmly. I am looking forward to many years of exciting opportunities for the CHCN to continue to serve its clients and communities in unique and innovative ways.
As we look back at the past year at the CHCN, we cannot help but feel like part of a very large picture. We have been part of something that has affected our staff, our communities, our partners, and to really put things into perspective….our world. Some days, it can feel overwhelming and uncertain, while at other times, we feel a huge sense of pride as we maneuver difficult situations successfully. Our goal is still to provide the necessary services and care to our clients in the safest, most effective way possible.
Each of our teams has been able to pivot in a way to make care work in this new world. Our Primary Care, Diabetes Education, Counselling, and GAIN (Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network) teams have each entered the world of virtual care, while still bringing clients into the CHC when necessary – of course following strict guidelines to ensure everyone is safe. Our Community team has managed to continue to provide vital exercise and social groups using platforms such as Zoom and they have also turned our Food Security program on its head, providing food boxes and prepared meals to individuals and families on a weekly basis. Some care of course cannot be done virtually, so our Dental team is continuing to see clients, bringing in lower numbers daily to ensure that appropriate disinfecting can occur in between appointments.
I personally am grateful for the commitment of our staff, all of whom continue to look for opportunities to offer appropriate and safe care.
We are also very grateful for the strong partnerships we have with other organizations who are also working very hard to ensure that our communities remain safe. Through the partnerships of the Ontario Health Team of Northumberland (ohtnorthumberland.ca) and all of our other health and social services partners, we are proud to work in a local system that supports healthy and safe communities.
Please know, we miss seeing your faces, we miss the active waiting room and in-person meetings. We miss our many amazing volunteers and we know that things may not return to “normal” for a while yet. There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel as more and more vaccines are distributed locally and beyond. Please continue to practice safety measures such as wearing a mask, not gathering in large groups, and maintaining social distancing, in hopes that someday soon we can see one another again like we used to.
Taryn Rennicks
Executive Director
Community Health Centres of Northumberland
