[October 16, 2023, GUELPH, ON]–October 16-22 is Community Health and Wellbeing Week and to celebrate, the Guelph Community Health Centre (Guelph CHC) is inviting community members to attend special events in celebration of their own health and wellness journeys.
The week is a yearly initiative for communication and advocacy, promoted by 109 organizations who are members of the Alliance for Healthier Communities.
“This week is an opportunity for our clients, staff and volunteers to reflect and celebrate everyone’s wellness journey, no matter what stage they are at,” says Kate Vsetula, Director of Community Programs and Development. “Our team is excited for the opportunity to open up some of our programs more broadly so anyone who is interested can learn more about the many ways Guelph CHC promotes health and wellbeing.”
Guelph CHC provides primary care (family medicine), wraparound health supports and community programs for community members who face barriers to their health and wellness. Low-barrier community programs are typically open to people who face barriers accessing services, such as people who are primary care clients of Guelph CHC, and people who identify as members of equity-deserving communities in Guelph.
CHCs across Canada provide health care for populations whose care needs are 68 per cent more complex than average Ontarians. Despite this added complexity, a 2023 study reveals CHCs are saving $27 million per year by reducing the need for emergency department visits.
“The work we do to pair health care with wraparound supports is essential for our community, and to the thousands of Guelph community members who access our services,” says Melissa Kwiatkowski, CEO of Guelph CHC. “In Guelph we are experiencing more complexity and demand for our services. We have a model that is evidence-based and demonstrates incredible outcomes. We are here and ready to scale up, with appropriate resources.”
Programs open to the public during October 16-22 include Zumba, a social prescribing event, and a tour of the Consumption and Treatment Services site. For a full listing, and for more information, see the calendar below.
Guelph CHC community programs are for community members who face barriers accessing services, such as people who are primary care clients of Guelph CHC, and people who identify as members of equity-deserving communities in Guelph.
Equity-deserving groups include community members who identify with any of the following: Homeless or at risk of homelessness, living on low income, newcomers to Canada with language barriers, people with moderate to severe mental health and/or addiction issues, people with moderate to severe disabilities, people without access to primary care, Indigenous, members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as vulnerable children and their families experiencing violence, conflict, isolation or attachment struggles. People living within the neighbourhoods of Brant, Grange Hill, Onward Willow and Two Rivers are also welcome to attend Guelph CHC programs offered within their community.
Contact
Melissa Kwiatkowski, CEO, Guelph CHC, 519-821-6638 ext. 308 mkwiatkowski@guelphchc.ca
Kate Vsetula, Director of Community Programs and Development, 519-821-6638 ext. 335
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