Partners & Funders
Somerset West Community Health Centre leads the initiative with partners like the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership, the Catholic Centre for Immigrant, Ontario Health, and other Ottawa-based community health centers. The Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre has created four unique programs to improve primary care, mental health services, system navigation, and language interpretation.
Goals and Collaboration Approach
The Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre’s programs connect newcomers with culturally appropriate services that support their health and well-being as they adjust to life in Canada. The Centre focuses on the unique healthcare needs of newcomers and refugees in Ottawa.
Activities
The Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre runs a temporary primary care clinic. It provides crucial medical services to refugees and immigrants with trouble accessing care. The clinic also helps clients find ongoing care.
The Centre’s Multicultural Health Navigator program helps clients connect with service providers and overcome language and cultural barriers. It improves health literacy and helps newcomers use healthcare services effectively.
The Centre’s Integrated Mental Health Service program offers counselling and support for mental health issues. It helps those facing trauma and stress from migration with tailored therapy and guidance.
The Ottawa Language Access program provides interpretation services to healthcare providers. It helps clients communicate in their preferred language, removing language barriers.
Link to the Ottawa Immigration Strategy
The Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre helps newcomers access essential medical care and support as they adjust to life in Canada. This aligns with the Ottawa Immigration Strategy’s top priority in the Health and Wellbeing sector, which focuses on improving access to health services, including preventive care, primary care, and dental care. The initiative aims to support newcomers in their transition to Canada.
Timelines and Milestones
The Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre seeks more funding to expand and meet growing service demands. A central location for all programs will improve efficiency and collaboration. The Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre provides more than 5,200 hours of primary care annually, but there is a waitlist of 426 clients for Initial Medical Assessments. Additional funding is crucial.
Impact Areas and Client Outcomes
The Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre has significantly impacted newcomers and refugees. . From January to December 2024, the centre served over 2,000 clients, many with complex medical needs requiring urgent support. Its multi-tiered approach to care focuses on removing barriers and connecting clients to essential health and social services, which is crucial for improving health outcomes in this community. In addition to this access to mental health support has been crucial for those dealing with trauma and stress.
Conclusion
The Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre has effectively met the healthcare needs of newcomers and refugees. The centre has improved health literacy, access to care, and mental health support through its programs. Its efforts to overcome language barriers and advocate for clients are commendable. The centre aims to secure more funding, expand its services, and establish a central location to continue providing high-quality care. Its dedication promises lasting benefits for newcomers and refugees in Ottawa.
