What is the Vaughan Community Health Centre (VCHC)?
The Vaughan Community Health Centre (VCHC) is a non-profit, community-governed organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health. VCHC will provide primary health care, health promotion and community development services to residents of the City of Vaughan using a multi-disciplinary staff team.

What types of health professionals and other staff will provide service?
The multi-disciplinary team at VCHC will include: family physicians, nurse practitioners, primary care nurse, registered practical nurse, social workers, dietitians, health promoters, counselors, chiropodist, community health workers, outreach workers, medical secretaries, various management and administrative staff and others, all of whom are salaried employees, rather than fee-for-service (OHIP) providers.

Will VCHC be a walk-in medical clinic?
No. VCHC is not a walk-in medical clinic and will not provide emergency services or ambulatory health services. Primary health care 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 will be provided to the community at large.

What types of health promotion and health education services will you be offering?
Many social programs and support groups will be offered, such us: diabetes education, mental health and addictions, youth life skills, seniors and women wellness, self care, and food access/food security. 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?
Vaughan Community Health Centre 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 made up of 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 health-care 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?
We are currently putting together an intake and registration policy and process for potential clients. More information on how you can become a client will be made available shortly.

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 health care, we will develop and 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 and 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. We are temporarily located in the Norwood Plaza at 9671 Jane Street, Unit #9 (just south of Major Mackenzie Drive).Our permanent home is currently under construction at 9401 Jane Street, just north of Rutherford Road, and we plan to be open in the new year.

Where do CHCs fit in the health care system?
Community Health Centres are an integral part of the Ontario health services 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 will make every effort to respond to the needs of the community it serves and will strive to offer programs and services in relevant languages and in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner. We will also make efforts to hire staff 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. Community Health Centres 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 these services.