City of Vaughan partners with Vaughan Community Health Centre to support residents during pandemic
Image
Engaging, informing and educating about COVID-19 support services
The City of Vaughan continues to take all necessary steps to support citizens, businesses and the greater community in the ongoing response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. At the April 7, 2021 Committee of the Whole (1) meeting, Council unanimously endorsed Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua’s Member’s Resolution to partner with and support the Vaughan Community Health Centre’s (VCHC) services through enhanced communication and information sharing.
The VCHC is a not-for-profit, community-governed organization that provides clinical and social services to York Region residents. The organization has a mission to serve vulnerable community residents, including youth, seniors and individuals living with mental health and addiction who may face barriers in accessing healthcare. The VCHC offers its services in multiple languages within a safe, accessible and comfortable environment.
On Dec. 21, 2020, the Ontario government initiated a targeted High Priority Communities Strategy, which provides funding to local community agencies to deliver key COVID-19 interventions for the province's hardest-hit neighbourhoods. The VCHC is the lead agency to carry out the High Priority Communities Strategy in Vaughan and works in co-ordination with York Region, York Region Public Health, Ontario Health and local community agencies.
Through tailored community outreach and education and increased access to testing, VCHC connects individuals and families with available services. The organization also offers wrap-around supports that aim to fulfil the community’s needs as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, including delivering groceries, masks and sanitizer kits, emergency financial assistance and information on safe and designated isolation centres.
The City continues working closely with VCHC to highlight important resources being offered. Citizens can reach VCHC directly at 905-226-7332 with questions about COVID-19 supports and testing. While Vaughan City Hall remains closed to the public, residents looking to get in touch with Access Vaughan can do so by phone at 905-832-2281 (toll-free: 1-844-832-2112) or email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Both VCHC and Access Vaughan provide translation services, so all parts of our community are represented, informed and engaged about public health measures and support services related to COVID-19.
QUOTE(S)
“On March 17, 2020, Vaughan became the first city in Ontario to declare a state of emergency in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. This action signalled that we would take every possible step to ensure the health and safety of everyone who lives and works here. As part of our disciplined, measured and responsible approach, the City remains committed to collaborating with local not-for-profit groups and organizations to reduce the impacts of COVID-19 on our community. The Vaughan Community Health Centre’s (VCHC) dedicated efforts to provide healthcare and social services to our citizens are making a meaningful and positive difference during these unprecedented times. I want to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the VCHC staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to serve individuals and families when they need it most. Vaughan is one of the most diverse municipalities in Canada, with residents that come from around the world and where 105 different languages are spoken. As our fight against COVID-19 continues, together, we remain dedicated to moving our city forward without leaving anyone behind.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
“The Vaughan Community Health Centre is proud to partner with the City of Vaughan to promote our programs and services for residents in Vaughan and throughout York Region. On behalf of the VCHC, I want to thank Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and all Members of Council for their unwavering support of our mission to remove barriers and provide care to vulnerable populations during the global pandemic. The emergence of COVID-19 has highlighted the need to offer targeted healthcare and social solutions to individuals who face challenges in getting the supports they need. Together, we will work to ensure equity for all in accessing healthcare services.”
- LoAn Ta-Young, Acting Executive Director, Vaughan Community Health Centre
QUICK FACTS
- Since February 2021, the Vaughan Community Health Centre (VCHC) has supported more than 2,000 York Region residents and has distributed more than 1,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits.
- The VCHC has created Community Ambassador subgroups, focusing on reaching youth, seniors, South Asian and Black communities within the region.
LEARN MORE
- Vaughan Community Health Centre website
-30-