 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
What is the Vaughan Community Health Centre (VCHC)?
What types of health professionals and other staff provide service at VCHC?
Is VCHC a walk-in medical clinic?
What types of health promotion and health education services do you offer?
Do I have to pay to receive services at VCHC?
Can I become a client of VCHC?
What makes VCHC different from other medical clinics?
How long have CHCs been around and how many are there?
Are there other CHCs in Vaughan?
Where do CHCs fit in the healthcare system?
My family and I don't speak or understand English very well. Can VCHC help us?
As a newcomer or refugee, I do not have Ontario health insurance coverage yet. Can VCHC help me?
What is the Vaughan Community Health Centre (VCHC)?
VCHC is a non-profit, community-governed organization funded by the Central Local Health Integration Network and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. VCHC provides primary healthcare, health promotion and community-based programs to meet the needs of the City of Vaughan residents using a multi-disciplinary staff team approach.
Who are the professionals that provide services at VCHC?
The multi-disciplinary team at VCHC includes family physicians, nurse practitioners, a registered practical nurse, registered nurses, dietitians, a social worker, a chiropodist, a community engagement worker, community health workers, medical secretaries and various management and administrative staff, all of whom are salaried employees, rather than fee-for-service (OHIP) providers.
Is VCHC a walk-in medical clinic?
No. VCHC is not a walk-in medical clinic and does not provide emergency services or ambulatory health services. Primary healthcare will only be provided for registered clients of the CHC. While primary care is only available to registered clients, a variety of health promotion and health education programs and services are provided to the community at large.
What types of health promotion and health education services do you offer?
Many social programs and support groups are offered at VCHC, such us diabetes education, mental health and addictions programs, youth life skills, seniors' and women's wellness, self-care and food access/food security programs. Other health promotion and education programs will be developed over time based on the identified needs of our clients and community.
Do I have to pay to receive services at VCHC?
There are no fees. All programs and services are offered free of charge.
Who runs VCHC?
VCHC is a member agency of the Vaughan Health Campus of Care. VCHC is an incorporated not-for-profit organization governed by its own board of directors who are volunteers from the community.
Can I become a client of VCHC?
VCHC is open to serve all people residing in the City of Vaughan. However, VCHC programs and services will be designed to meet the specific needs of those people who have difficulties accessing a full range of appropriate primary healthcare services. Our priority is to address the health needs of persons with mental health and addiction issues, as well as local youth and seniors.
How can I become a client?
Call 905-303-8490 and speak to one of our medical secretaries.
What makes VCHC different from other medical clinics?
VCHC views an individual's health needs in a family and community context. In addition to providing primary healthcare, we provide a variety of health promotion and illness prevention services which focus on raising awareness and addressing the broader social determinants of health.
These include:
• Education and Literacy
• Equity
• Poverty
• Income and Social Status
• Social Support Networks and Isolation
• Employment/Working Conditions
• Social Environments
• Physical Environments
• Personal Health Practices and Coping Skills
• Healthy Child Development
• Biology and Genetic Endowment
• Access to Health Services
• Gender
• Culture
How long have CHCs been around and how many are there?
Community Health Centres (CHCs) have been in existence in Canada since the 1920s. Today there are over 300 CHCs across Canada. CHCs have been supporting communities in Ontario for well over 30 years with 55 CHCs currently in operation. Twenty-two new CHCs and 17 new satellite CHCs are in development and will be opening their doors within the next few years. Vaughan CHC is one of the new group of CHCs.
Are there other CHCs in Vaughan?
VCHC is the first CHC in Vaughan and York region.
Where do CHCs fit in the healthcare system?
CHCs are an integral part of the Ontario healthcare system and play a significant role in providing essential services in many communities. We work toward increasing the capacity of families and communities to help take care of their own health and to manage chronic conditions. CHCs are often the main delivery mechanism for core community-based health services, offering a continuum of services that promote individual and community ownership over health.
My family and I don't speak or understand English very well. Can VCHC help us?
Yes. VCHC makes every effort to respond to the needs of the community it serves and it strives to offer programs and services in relevant languages and in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner. We have also made efforts to hire a staff team that is reflective of the community.
As a newcomer or refugee, I do not have Ontario health insurance coverage yet. Can VCHC help me?
Yes. CHCs provide services and support to non-insured community members.
I already have a family doctor, but need help with housing, employment and/or accessing government services. Can VCHC help?
Yes. VCHC will help you get the right information on how to access those services.
