Community Health Centres (CHCs) are non-profit organizations providing coordinated, multidisciplinary primary healthcare and related services to distinct priority groups within the community. Governed by community boards, CHCs focus on the community’s most critical health needs.
Established in the 1960s and funded by the Ministry of Health since the early 1970s, CHCs are now integral to Ontario’s healthcare system. Offering comprehensive primary healthcare and health promotion programs, CHCs strive to eliminate barriers to healthcare access, such as poverty, geographic isolation, discrimination, and social exclusion.
The work of CHCs is underpinned by a shared Model of Health and Well-being that positions health as a state of complete physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being and highlights the impact of social inequality on health access. CHCs and their associations are deeply committed to health equity, recognizing health as a fundamental human right.
The Values and Principles that unite us:
Quality People & Community-Centered Health:
- Everyone participates, individually and collectively, in decisions about their health and well-being.
- Individuals and communities receive healthcare that meets their needs in a timely fashion and from the most appropriate providers and experience the best possible results.
- Healthcare and other service providers work in respectful, collaborative relationships with individuals, families, and communities and each other.
- The quality of care is optimized through continuous innovation and learning to improve the experience and outcomes of those accessing care and the efficient use of resources.
Health Equity and Social Justice:
- Reduction in social inequality improves health outcomes.
- Social inequality is reduced when all people and institutions become aware of and act on the understanding that inequality impacts health outcomes for the already marginalized populations.
- Equity, dignity, and integrity manifest in access to nutritious food, safe and secure housing, clean water, adequate and appropriate clothing, and dignified and justly remunerated employment.
- Healthcare appropriate to all ages and stages of life, emphasizing trust, reciprocity, fostering engagement and participation in civic, social, and political processes.
Community Vitality and Belonging:
- Safe and caring communities improve health outcomes.
- Shared values and shared vision strengthen belonging.
- All community members have opportunities to participate in decision-making about their communities.
- Public and private sectors and community organizations work together to strengthen inclusive, caring, and connected communities.
The Values That Guide Our Work Are:
- Equity: We champion an equitable, inclusive, respectful primary healthcare system.
- Leadership: We challenge the status quo with integrity and transparency and catalyze system innovation.
- Collaboration: We embrace community-driven cooperation and partner to influence change.
- Knowledge: We act and learn from a community-informed and evidence-based approach. Please click here to view the attributes of the Model of Health and Wellbeing
CHCs and their Association share a solid commitment to advancing health equity, and we recognize that access to the highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental human right.
Alliance for Healthier Communities
Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre is a member of the Alliance for Healthier Communities, Ontario’s voice for community-governed primary healthcare.
The Alliance represents over 100 community-governed primary healthcare organizations. Its membership includes Ontario’s Community Health Centres, Aboriginal Health Access Centres, Community Family Health Teams and Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics. Together, we share a strong commitment to advance health equity and recognize that access to the highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental human right.