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A Message From Our
Executive Director
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Happy New Year! I would like to take this opportunity to wish our staff, clients, partners and friends a healthy and prosperous 2023.
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It’s hard to believe that I have been in my role as Executive Director at Chigamik for one year. I joined the organization in late January of last year and it has been an absolute pleasure leading this amazing community-led organization. I am continually inspired by the collective strength of this community and our dedicated staff and volunteers who put our community first in all of the services and programs they provide. The Community Health Centre model of care is focused on improving health equity and access to all members of our community, especially those living with vulnerabilities. Over the last twelve months, I have seen first-hand how we ensure this model of care is embedded in everything that we do here at Chigamik. Our team takes the time to understand the needs of our clients, and works towards making improvements in their health outcomes - whether that be physical, mental or spiritual - improving the overall client experience and always putting them first.
As we close a year like no other and look towards a bright future, we welcome all of the new opportunities and partnerships 2023 has to offer, while ensuring health equity continues to be at the forefront of our mission, vision and values.
Wishing everyone great health and happiness in 2023.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Marchand
Executive Director, CSC Chigamik CHC
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Midland Community Health Hub Opens Its Doors to the Community
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The Midland Community Health Hub was pleased to host an Open House on November 17th, 2022. Although the building officially opened its doors on June 1, 2020, we were unable to welcome our community at an official Open House due to the pandemic restrictions. The evening was a success, with over 100 community members in attendance. Personalized tours, information about community programs and services, and refreshments were offered to our guests.
“The new building consolidates many healthcare and social services under one roof including primary healthcare and mental health supports, youth programming, traditional healing, midwifery care and more. Our goal is to create a welcoming place where our teams work together, provide integrated care, and where everyone feels like they are valued and belong," said Suzanne Marchand, Executive Director at Chigamik.
About the Community Health Hub
The 40,000-square-foot facility, located at 287 Bayshore Dr., houses Chigamik Community Health Centre and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care outpatient and community programs, along with other organizations including the Midland Midwives by the Bay, the Patient/Client and Family Council, the North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub, the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre's Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic and a mental-health walk-in clinic facilitated by Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County.
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New Winter Programs at Chigamik!
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With the goal of meeting the health care needs of our diverse community, Chigamik is pleased to offer new English, French and Cultural programs this winter - free and open to everyone in the community! Please visit www.chigamik.ca/programs-new to register for one of our programs online.
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Covid-19, Cold & Flu Care Clinic Now Open in North Simcoe
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Due to the rising numbers of respiratory illnesses in our region, the North Simcoe Family Health Team (NSFHT) opened the COVID-19, Cold and Flu Care Clinic (CCFCC) in December. The purpose of the new clinic is to ease the pressure on hospital emergency departments and provide alternative, accessible care to the community. The clinic’s role is to provide assessment, testing and treatment, by appointment, for people experiencing COVID-19, cold, flu or other respiratory symptoms.
Patients are encouraged to visit with their primary care provider first if they are sick and feel they need medical care. The CCFCC is not a walk-in clinic. Only those with COVID-19, cold, flu, or other respiratory symptoms will be scheduled for an appointment.
The COVID-19, Cold and Flu Care Clinic is open Monday to Friday and is located at 619 Prospect Blvd., Suite 2 in Midland. Same day or next day appointments must be made in advance online using the NSFHT website, or by calling 705-526-7804 ext. 253.
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GivingTuesday: A Global Day of Generosity
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On November 29th, Chigamik once again joined the GivingTuesday movement in Canada – a global day of generosity. Just as Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season, GivingTuesday is the opening day of the giving season.
Through the GivingTuesday campaign, our community and staff supported our goal of providing 10 local families with “ready to cook” meals for the holidays. Donated funds through this campaign will also support the purchase of grocery gift cards and supplies to Chigamik’s emergency food cupboard – to help support individuals and families struggling with food access throughout the year.
“At a time when we are all experiencing continued effects of the pandemic, GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people to come together and encourage kindness. Whether it’s helping a neighbour, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to a charity, every act of generosity counts," says Suzanne Marchand, Executive Director, CSC Chigamik CHC.
We would like to thank our staff and members of our community who donated their time and money to this important community initiative. A special thank you to our community partners – Foodland Midland, Graffiti Art, Fer-Mar Farms and Mary and Ray Nason – for their generous donations.
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Chigamik's Biidaaban Doula Collective is Now Certified in Trauma Support
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We are pleased to announce that the Biidaaban Doula Collective is now certified in Trauma Support. This course was offered through Restoring Balance Consulting, an Indigenous-led organization that provides workshops and training seminars to community workers to enhance their knowledge about trauma and healing for Indigenous community members.
This online training provides community workers with the necessary skills to successfully support trauma survivors.
Other Doula Initiatives
A priority for the Biidaaban Doula Collective is to create more pathways and partnerships with Indigenous organizations in North Simcoe Muskoka and surrounding areas. In November, the Doulas hosted a 'meet and greet' on Christian Island with new and expectant mothers. They also met with community workers from Beausoleil Family Health Centre and Beausoleil Day Care - great partnerships!
The Doulas also wrapped up their Motherhood workshop with a group visit to the Midland EarlyON centre.
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Welcome to the Chigamik Team
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Rachel Belanger
Registered Practical Nurse
Prior to joining Chigamik, Rachel worked at the Georgian Bay General Hospital in numerous areas of care, including med/surge, ED, complex
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continuing care, palliative care and rehabilitation. In 2021 Rachel worked as a staff trainer on a transformational project called Care4 - a project that connected four hospitals through one documentation system. Rachel has completed many courses in Reflexology and has a true passion for holistic and preventative nursing. Most recently, she completed the advanced foot care course and is thrilled to be providing foot care to Chigamik clients.
Outside of work, Rachel is an avid gardener, enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with family and lazy days on the beach. Welcome to the Chigamik family Rachel!
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