As directed by the province and with heavy hearts, South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC) staff closed the doors of the keepSIX consumption and treatment service (CTS) for the last time on March 21, 2025. Staff diligently planned for this closure for many months to ensure continuity of care for their most vulnerable service users while keeping the community informed to help minimize the impact of this significant change.

The service first opened on November 27, 2017. It was named keepSIX, which means ‘got your back,’ as an homage to Raffi Balian. Balian was the founder of SRCHC’s COUNTERfit harm reduction program and a life long advocate for people who use drugs.

Since opening the staff team, which includes community health workers, social workers, nurses and physicians, have made hundreds of referrals to offsite health and social services, such as housing supports, mental health services, and addictions programs. Staff used an integrated care model to provide on-site primary care, counselling, vaccinations, foot care, wound care and more. Last year alone, staff supported an average of 70 unique service users per month and reversed 51 overdoses. KeepSIX CTS staff made only two calls to emergency medical services (EMS) in 2024, reducing the strain on these overburdened essential services.

“It’s very sad to think about keepSIX closed and what the future holds. Grief and loss are not feelings that are unusual for our staff, clients who use and their family members, and those who work in or support our services, and many are feeling the loss already,” shares SRCHC CEO Shannon Wiens. “Over the past eight years, we have had many ups and downs but through it all we have reached thousands of people and saved hundreds of lives.”

KeepSIX staff have hosted many community Open Houses and educational tours since 2017, with over 1,000 visitors from across Canada and around the world. The final Open House was held on February 26, 2025, bringing in dozens of people reflecting many diverse communities, including former service users and staff, neighbours, and workers from other health care and social service organizations.

On that evening Jason Miles, a former keepSIX service user, delivered a passionate speech that brought a tear to every eye in the room. “SRCHC not only saved my life during overdoses, but the amazing staff supported me through recovery and, after spending three years homeless, they helped me get my own place,” Miles said. “I’ve now been sober for a year and a half.”

For many months, SRCHC has been working with service users to support their transition to accessing other health care and service options available after the closure. KeepSIX CTS is one of five CTS that will close by March 31, 2025 in Toronto. Staff have been conducting overdose response training on a weekly basis with clients and their families, community members, and local businesses.

“We know that closing keepSIX will not end the toxic drug crisis and we’re going to have to work together to keep people safe,” said SRCHC Director of Community Engagement and Communications, Gabriella Skubincan. “As part of the plan to close the site, we launched a social media campaign to help educate people about the actions they can take if they encounter someone using drugs, discarded needles in their neighbourhood, or someone in need of emergency medical treatment.”

If you have questions, concerns, or would like to learn more, please contact us at srchc.com or follow us on social media.

“The teaching of moccasins is to walk gently on Mother Earth. The opportunity the participants have with the provision of space for this creation allows for, not only a reclamation of culture to flourish, but also community-building aspects central to our teachings of interconnection and interdependence.” – Sofi Rostampour, Lead Workshop Facilitator.

In November 2024, South Riverdale Community Heath Centre (SRCHC) had the honour of launching a Moccasin Making Workshop series at 955 Queen St E. The program sought to provide a safer and welcoming space for 2-Spirit and Indigenous women who use drugs or are sex workers. Together, participants connected with their Indigenous cultures, strengthened and built new relationships, and learned traditional and meaningful skills. Facilitated by Sofi Rostampour, under the guidance of Grandmother Loretta Watetch, and with support of two Indigenous sewing assistants, each participant created a unique pair of handmade moccasins that reflected their individual personalities and/or beliefs.

“It has been an absolute honour and joy to share space with and get to know the Moccasin Workshop participants and facilitators these past five months. To witness reconnection with selves, community, and ancestry through the sharing of space and learning of traditional skills and wisdom is more significant to me than I can express. I look forward to continuing to facilitate spaces for people to reconnect with themselves and build stronger supportive communities,” explains Dahli Clarke-Partida, SRCHC’s Women’s Harm Reduction Health Promoter who developed this program.

Ensuring that Indigenous programs are guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers is essential to running any Indigenous programming in a good way with authenticity and respect. We are deeply appreciative of Grandmother Loretta Watetch’s involvement in the project. We also wish to acknowledge and remember Elder Wanda Whitebird, as her loss and presence were strongly felt across participants and our Centre as a whole.

Indigenous adults living in Toronto are more likely to experience chronic health concerns and mental health challenges compared to non-Indigenous adults due to factors such as colonialism, racism, and barriers related to income, housing and food security.¹ Although many Indigenous people value culturally-appropriate care that honour traditional medicines and wellness practices, discrimination within the healthcare system often prevents them from accessing the care they need.²

In fact, the South Riverdale neighbourhood is home to an above average number of Indigenous individuals. According to 2021 Census data, 0.8% of respondents within the City of Toronto identified as Indigenous, compared to 2% in the South Riverdale neighbourhood. This strongly highlights the need for further Indigenous-specific and culturally safer programming at SRCHC and other community health centres.

There are major gaps within our health care system causing systemic harm to Indigenous peoples, making the need for culturally-relevant programs that address the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities obvious and urgent. While we recognize that lasting and profound change requires policy-level action, we hope that programming like the Moccasin Making Workshops can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our local community members.

The Moccasin Making Workshops are just one example of SRCHC’s commitment to supporting our Indigenous clients with respectful, inclusive and culturally-relevant care. We were thrilled to recognize the participants’ incredible work at a special catered celebration open to participants, loved ones, staff, and community on March 24 at 955 Queen Street E.

We are committed to continuing to develop programs that integrate the traditions, values and needs of our diverse client populations. SRCHC’s newest programming will be an Indigenous-focused harm reduction drop-in group. Beginning on May 21, the program will allow people who use drugs and sex workers an opportunity to learn more about Indigeneity on a weekly basis. Learn more about the program here.

 

References:

1. https://pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca/indigenoustorontoresearchresource/chapter/current-healthcare-issues/
2. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/241104/dq241104a-eng.htm

Sight is one of our most valuable senses, yet many people living with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic eye disease without even realizing it. Diabetes-related eye complications can develop silently and lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC), hosts the free Diabetes Eye Screening Program (DESP) to provide accessible and equitable sight-saving healthcare. Our DESP is currently the top-performing tele-ophthalmology program in Ontario and has completed over 4600 eye screenings since 2017.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Canada, but the risk of vision loss can be significantly reduced with early detection and treatment. “Regular eye screenings can detect diabetes-related eye disease early and prevent it from getting worse,” explains Hamid Moghimi, Diabetes Eye Screening Program Registered Practical Nurse (DESP RPN). “Many people with diabetes don’t realize they have eye issues until it’s too late, making regular screenings even more crucial.” In fact, an estimated 25% of people with diabetes in Canada are affected by diabetic retinopathy, yet 35% of them have never been screened.

Low screening rates emphasize the value of the DESP and the importance of accessibility for those who need it most. Screenings are completely free and OHIP is not required which means people who are uninsured or who cannot afford routine eye exams have access to sight-saving healthcare. This is particularly significant given that uninsured individuals face some of the highest rates of vision loss, in addition to low income and Indigenous communities.

The program uses tele-ophthalmology, an innovative approach that allows health care providers to analyze high-resolution images of the eye for early signs of diabetes-related damage. This technology enables earlier detection, timely interventions and a greater chance of preserving eyesight. Screenings typically take between 30 to 60 minutes and involve checking a person’s vision, conducting an eye pressure test and taking pictures of the back of the eyes with a special camera. “The service was wonderful and staff were very compassionate and friendly. I wouldn’t mind coming in every day,” says long-time client Winnifred White.

For more information and eligibility requirements, please visit eyescreening.ca or email [email protected]. To see what your diabetes eye screening experience might look like, watch a video on our YouTube channel.

After completing the peer training program at South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC) in 2017, Douglas Belanger was hired as a Community Support Worker (CSW) on the Toronto Community Hepatitis C Program (TCHCP) team. Reflecting on his journey, Doug shares that his own personal experience is what drew him to this meaningful work.

“After 15 years of trying to get Hep C treatment, and being judged and stigmatized, I found a program that didn’t judge me. The Hep C nurse used 10 cent words, not one hundred dollars words, to help me understand,” Doug explains. “She used a harm reduction approach and treated me with dignity and respect – that’s what got me into it.”

Today, Doug brings that same empathy, compassion and commitment to his role, offering support to individuals navigating Hep C treatment and other life challenges. “What motivates me and makes me passionate is being able to listen, treat people with dignity and respect, and support them with what they need at that moment. Being able to relate when connecting someone. Providing a warm handoff when referring them to other programs. Instead of just giving them the number to call or a place to go. I do it with them; I make calls with them and I support them.”

In addition to his passion for connecting with clients, Doug is grateful for the opportunity to grow within the TCHCP program. “I have been able to move up at SRCHC, and now I work full time. I’m great at locating people in the community, and I am valued as a part of the community.”

Doug’s dedication, his personal journey and his compassionate approach to delivering care embody SRCHC’s mission, vision and values. He meets individuals where they are and helps them achieve better health outcomes without judgment and now helps others do the same.

In addition to working on the TCHCP team, Doug completes daily needle sweeps around our 955 Queen St E location, collecting drug-use waste along Queen St between Pape Ave and McGee St, Jimmie Simpson Park and nearby residential streets. This important aspect of Doug’s role is essential and will become even more so after SRCHC’s Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS), keepSIX, closes at the end of March 2025.

Managing a chronic condition or chronic pain can feel overwhelming, but no one has to do it alone. Choose Health, a free program offered by South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC), empowers individuals to manage their health and improve their quality of life. Through self-management workshop series, Choose Health provides support to adults living with chronic pain and disease, as well as their caregivers and health care providers.

Evidence-informed education is a key part of the Choose Health program. In small group settings, participants learn practical skills to better manage their symptoms and improve their daily lives. Discussion topics commonly include setting manageable goals, pain and fatigue management, principles of healthy eating, starting and maintaining physical activity, stress management, and techniques for relaxation and better breathing.

Pamela Sequeria, a Chronic Pain Self-Management program participant, explains how impactful the program resources were for her. “The education materials provided were so helpful and clear to understand. I now better understand chronic pain and the different types of pain, the steps to take to relieve my pain and how to divert my mind away from pain.”

Beyond the valuable resources and practical strategies, the supportive environment fostered by the Choose Health program is what makes the program truly special. Facilitators create a space where participants feel heard, supported and encouraged. As Luminita Capatana, another program participant expresses: “During the sessions I felt accepted. No one was judging and that made me confident to continue the program.”

What makes Choose Health client experiences and outcomes particularly positive is that the programs are led by people who have experience living with a variety of chronic conditions – which works to foster deeper connections and genuine understanding and encouragement.  “The two teachers, Mary Ann and Jasmine, are so friendly and helpful. I strongly recommend this program to the people who need it,” shares Tracy Ye, another program participant.

The various Choose Health programs all make it easy for people to participate in a way that suits their needs. Programs are available both virtually, city-wide and in-person in the Toronto area. Check out our YouTube channel to get a sense of the look and feel of our in-person programs. For more information, including eligibility criteria and program availability, please visit selfmanagementtc.ca or email [email protected].

Chiropody is a branch of healthcare focused on diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and disorders of the foot and ankle. Chiropodists, also known as foot specialists, are regulated health care providers that help people of all ages maintain healthy feet and mobility. They provide a range of services including basic and urgent foot care, prescribing orthotics and providing diabetic foot and nail care, wound care treatment, corn and callus reduction, as well as community education programs.

“Our feet do a lot for us – they carry us through our daily routines, support our movements and help us stay active,” explains Salman Alman, South Riverdale Community Health Centre’s (SRCHC) chiropodist. “Most of us don’t often think about our feet – even though they are so foundational to our overall health. Foot problems, such as diabetic foot ulcers or fissures, can affect overall well-being, making daily activities difficult and uncomfortable.”

As an essential part of our integrated primary care team, Salman works at SRCHC’s 955 Queen St E site alongside other healthcare professionals, such as diabetes nurse educators and health promoters, to provide comprehensive primary care often to high-risk clients with diabetes. “With proper footwear and footcare, we can prevent so many bad things from happening, including nerve damage, poor circulation and even amputation,” continues Salman. “In fact, working as team of care providers, we have delivered wound care to 402 clients through 2347 encounters between 2020 and 2023, effectively preventing amputations by managing complex wounds before they could lead to severe complications.”

In addition to providing foot care, Salman is on a provincial working group focused on improving client experiences, health outcomes and identifying ways to lower healthcare system costs by preventing complications. Recently, this working group, along with the Diabetes Education Registered Nurses at SRCHC – who have screened over 300 clients and referred over 70 clients to the Downtown East Toronto Ontario Health Team (OHT) Lower Limb Preservation Pathway – received recognition and additional funding from the OHT. This funding will support the development and distribution of 600 footcare packages for clients with diabetes, including gift cards for footwear, along with diabetic socks, lotions and other useful supplies. These packages will provide much-needed support for clients experiencing homelessness, who are living with low incomes, and have limited access to foot care supplies.

SRCHC is proud to be at the forefront of evidence-informed foot care and to expand our impact on client health and wellbeing through comprehensive chiropody services. While foot care is often overlooked, we are committed to making it a priority in our communities and ensuring that it is accessible, particularly for those at high-risk and facing complex health challenges.

“When I attend the gardening group, I always feel like time flies.” – Fanny Yeung

Last October, South Riverdale Community Health Centre’s Chinese Gardening Group (CGG) wrapped up another wonderful season working together on the organic rooftop garden at 955 Queen St East. Starting in April 2024, the CGG planted nearly 30 varieties of vegetables and herbs, nurturing their growth and overall health and well-being through sprouting, transplanting, fertilizing, trimming and weeding.

“The plants rely on sunshine and air, but also our care too. Joy at the harvest moment is unforgettable, no words can describe it,” explains CGG participant Clement Liong.

The CGG promotes overall health and well-being within the group as well. “We garden and eat together, and we discuss important issues, such as food insecurity, cultural food attachment and health inequities impacted by language barriers, education and income level,” explains SRCHC Health Promoter and CGG facilitator Grace Ho.

The most notable impact of the program, according to its participants, is its positive effects on mental health and well-being. The CGG fosters new friendships through a shared interest, tackling social isolation and loneliness. By practicing mindful gardening and participating in eating exercises at the beginning of each session, everyone almost immediately feels calmer and more relaxed. It’s a remarkable transformation.

“Our minds and bodies become active and healthy through this gardening activity. When I attend the gardening group, I always feel like time flies. I never want to leave because I am very happy here,” shares CGG member Fanny Yeung.

When the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, outdoor gardening wraps up and the seeds the CGG cultivated are stored for the spring season ahead. Every year, the CGG dedicates the quiet time to celebrating the success of the past gardening cycle and brainstorming ideas for the new season. If you are interested in joining the CGG for the upcoming spring season, please contact Grace at 647-642-8196.

Elder Pauline Shirt was a grandmother, community activist, teacher, mother of Indigenous Harm Reduction Activist Les Harper, and beloved to many. She received the Order of Ontario for her lifetime of “timely and earnest contributions to Indigenous education, cultural revitalization and holistic wellness within Indigenous communities while building relationships and understanding across diverse peoples.” Pauline was the founder of Kapapamahchakwew Wandering Spirit School, an Indigenous-led alternative school rooted in Indigenous knowledge and teachings for Indigenous students. Pauline led countless ceremonies at Moss Park before and after it became a sanctioned site, and continually provided medicines, food, and many wellness gifts to the Moss Park community. Pauline’s generosity with her care and teachings was deeply felt by everyone in the Moss Park community. Her wisdom, compassion, and strength reverberated throughout our work together. Our hearts are with her family, friends, and communities in this time of grief.

This year, midwife Jenn Brewer joined the South Riverdale Community Health Centre’s MATCH program’s new Green Team which focuses on prenatal care in late pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum care for birth parents and infants. Jenn, an exceptional and experienced midwife, is now co-leading the Green Team with her dynamic and dedicated colleague, Carmi Magnaye.

“I have loved my first few months working with clients, the other midwives, our wonderful social worker, Deborah, as well as all the other compassionate health care providers at SRCHC. I’m looking forward to celebrating my one year anniversary with the MATCH program in January,” shares Jenn.

In addition to her midwifery practice, Jenn is in the process of completing a Master’s degree in counseling psychology. She has a particular interest in and focus on improving Black maternal and infant health, and is engaged in ongoing work at Michael Garron Hospital (where all of SRCHC’s midwives have staff privileges) with the goal of improving outcomes for Black families in midwifery and obstetrics.

“I wasn’t sure I would continue with my midwifery practice once I finished my graduate work in counseling psychology, but joining the MATCH Program was an exciting opportunity to continue to practice with a focus on serving families facing a variety of barriers to accessing excellent healthcare. The MATCH Program also offered me the chance to integrate all of my various skills and interests, including registered massage therapy, on a multidisciplinary team,” explains Jenn.

Elder Wanda Whitebird was a friend, a mentor, and a passionate harm reduction advocate who dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of Indigenous peoples. Wanda tirelessly fought for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2-spirited peoples, people living with HIV, people experiencing incarceration, and people who use drugs. Wanda was the 2023 recipient of the Casey Award for leadership in social justice and harm reduction for the HIV/AIDS community. For 19 years, Wanda led the annual Strawberry Ceremony to honour the lives and call for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and 2-spirited peoples. Introduced to SRCHC by her brother, long-time Indigenous Health Promoter Les Harper, Wanda supported our organization in countless ways for many years, helping guide our ongoing journey toward reconciliation. Wanda supported across many projects at SRCHC over the years, including Northern Feathers, a regalia making project for Indigenous women accessing harm reduction programming. Her generosity, authenticity, and kindness has touched our staff and service users. We offer our deepest condolences to Wanda’s family, friends and the many communities she inspired. We will remember her unconditional love, her teachings, her laugh, and her strength.