Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant will help CHC Northumberland purchase telecommunications equipment to improve access to resources and programs
In 2021, the Community Health Centres of Northumberland (CHCN) received a $44,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Trillium Foundation to hire a Project Coordinator and purchase telecommunications equipment. The project, which will be completed over the next 9 months, will help improve access to resources and programs for vulnerable community members.
The new Project Coordinator will develop a tablet lending program which will enable individuals who face barriers to accessing technology or internet to be able to borrow a tablet from the CHCN, to either receive virtual care or to join an online group such as an exercise class, or chronic disease management program that is being offered virtually.
“Community Health Centres of Northumberland are dedicated to providing quick access for urgent issues and to the delivery of care that’s right for each client,” said MPP David Piccini.
“This investment from our government will help them better deliver their programs and services. Thank you to CHCN for your ongoing work to support healthy and safe communities.”
“We are very grateful to have been successful in receiving this OTF grant,” said Taryn Rennicks, Executive Director. “Through the experiences of the last 18 months, we know that there are many people who cannot access, or are uncomfortable using technology to access their healthcare or participate in valuable groups. With the help of Project Coordinator Sara Wodnisky, we will develop a program and sustainability plan to provide people with tablets, data
and education that will allow them to participate in the many virtual options for care and programming that the CHCN, and our many partner organizations have developed.”
CHCN continues to improve their programs and services to best meet the needs of our community. Currently, clinical services continue to be delivered through virtual visits, by telephone, on-site, and/or through some outreach. These services include primary care, diabetes education, geriatric assessment intervention, and counselling. Youth and adult
programing has also moved to virtual platforms.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities.
Author: Pete Fisher
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