In late September, South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC) participated in an open house at the Oakridge Health and Harm Reduction Hub to raise awareness of the site and celebrate an expansion in hours and services.
The hub offers walk-in services, including harm reduction supplies, counselling and peer support for people who use drugs and other substances. The goal is to improve the health and well-being of people who use substances and better connect local residents with health, social and community services.
Service users do not need a health card, family doctor or medical referral to use the hub’s services. This is a supportive and inclusive space, where everyone is welcome.
In addition to SRCHC, participating partners at the hub include Comprehensive Treatment Centre, Gerstein Crisis Centre, Sound Times Support Services and St. Michael’s Homes. All of these organizations are members of East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), the Ontario Health Team (OHT) serving East Toronto.
When asking clients from the Oakridge community about the impact of the hub, they shared that “staff are very helpful, welcoming, everyone is friendly” and “we value the additional days and times they are open because of the need for more help in the area.
Learn more about the hub at ethp.ca/OakridgeHub