Niagara Falls Community Health Centre Services Directory

Complimentary Copy

S E RV I C E S

D I R E C T O RY

Niagara Falls Community Health Centre 4481 Queen St. • P.O. Box 123 • Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S8 • Tel: 905-356-4222 • Fax: 905-356-5676

www.nfchc.ca

Welcome to the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre It took a long time for the city of Niagara Falls to have a Community Health Centre! Finally it has become a reality, thanks to the efforts of a group of dedicated community members united by the same passion to increase the well being of their community. With the financial support of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care through our Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network , the Health Centre was announced in 2005.

The vision of the Health Centre is to “Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Community”, and the mission is “to provide care and bring health and wellness to our community”.

We are currently operating out of a temporary site located at 4481 Queen Street, corner of St.Clair, across from the Post Office. We have assembled a group of health professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitian. social workers, health promoter, community and outreach workers all who work as a team in a collaborative manner to offer a vast array of health, health promotion and outreach services to our clients. The team of qualified and dedicated professionals believe that health is more than the absence of disease and is powerfully influenced by social and economic factors. We have a whole person approach with a strong emphasis on prevention and health promotion.

Our mandate is simple. To provide primary and health promotion care to any residents of Niagara Falls who do not have a family physician with special consideration being given to people with mental health and addiction issues, children and youth at risk, low income families, isolated seniors, migrant workers and non- insured homeless and street involved people. We are neither a Walk-In Clinic nor an Emergency Clinic. To become a client you must register with the centre. Service is provided on an appointment basis.

Read the description of our programs and services. Look us up on our WEB site at www.nfchc.ca, call us at 905 356 4222 or drop in to our location at 4481 Queen Street during business hours and find out if we can be of service to you, your family or someone you know!. Let us help you take control of your health!

Henri-Louis St-Martin Exectuvie Director

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Table of contents Vision, Mission Statement and Values .................................................................................5 Client Rights and Responsibilities .......................................................................................6

The Health Care Team Administration ....................................................................................................................8 Community Outreach Workers ............................................................................................8 Family Physicians ...............................................................................................................8 Health Promoters .................................................................................................................9 Nurse Practitioners ...............................................................................................................9 Reception .............................................................................................................................9 Registered Dietitian .............................................................................................................9 Registered Nurses & RPN’s ...............................................................................................10 Social Workers ...................................................................................................................10

Community Programs and Services Counselling .......................................................................................................................11 Feet First ...........................................................................................................................11 Health and Wellness Groups ..............................................................................................11 Identification Clinic ...........................................................................................................11 Laboratory Services ..........................................................................................................12 Learning Opportunities ......................................................................................................12 Migrant Worker Primary Health Care Clinic .....................................................................12 Nutrition Services ..............................................................................................................12 Outreach .............................................................................................................................12 Smoking Cessation.............................................................................................................12 Strengthening Families for the Future ...............................................................................13 Take Charge .......................................................................................................................13 Volunteer Opportunities .....................................................................................................13 Walk n’ Talk .......................................................................................................................13 YWCA Outreach ................................................................................................................13

NFCHC Contact List .......................................................................... 14 Community Partnership Contact Information ................................. 14 Please note that we are constantly changing to meet your needs.

Information presented may be subject to change. March 2012 www.nfchc.ca

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Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Community The Niagara Falls Community Health Centre is a non-profit organization governed by a community-elected board of directors that provides primary healthcare and health promotion programs and community development services to the residents of Niagara Falls. Clients have access to family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, a dietitian and social workers. There is also a Health Promotion team that provides community programs and outreach support.

A CHC works to create capacity that helps individuals and the greater community to take more responsibility for their health and wellbeing. To that end, Niagara Falls Community Health Centre offers a weekly I.D. Clinic to assist individuals who do not have identification, a weekly walking program to encourage exercise, Chronic Disease Management workshops to help clients manage their health conditions, along with various other community initiatives.

Niagara Falls Community Health Centre has a number of priority populations that have been defined as: • • • • • • • •

Individuals/families without a healthcare provider People with mental health and/or addiction issues Low income families Isolated seniors At risk children and youth Street involved/non-insured persons Newcomers to Canada People with physical disabilities

For more information on our programs and activities, please visit our website at www.nfchc.ca

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E V E R Y O N E

M A T T E R S

Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Community

Our purpose is to provide care, and bring health and wellness to our community.

We believe: • That health is more than the absence of disease.

It is influenced by social and economic factors.

• That some members of the community have greater needs and fewer choices and therefore require more of our services, advocacy, and support.

• In raising community capacity by encouraging awareness of health and social issues and the ability and preparedness to address them.

• In building social capital, which refers to the social trust, mutual respect, and group membership that people can draw on to solve community problems.

• In providing services openly, inclusively, fairly and non-judgmentally.

• In community governance with programs and services involving partnerships and skill sharing.

• That the provision of excellent primary health care requires a team of health providers from different professions.

• In continuous learning and improvement. www.nfchc.ca

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Client Rights and Responsibilities Client Rights Client’s rights are supported by all Niagara Falls Community Health Centre staff and volunteers and are an integral part of the healing process. The staff and volunteers of the Health Centre work as a team to ensure client’s needs are met.

Clients have the right to: • I have a right to receive quality care and treatment in a safe, supportive and comfortable environment that respects my social, cultural and spiritual needs.

• I have a right to care and treatment that meet professional standards by qualifi ed staff committed to my well-being.

• I have a right to know the name and title of my health care provider.

• I have a right to be treated with respect, consideration and dignity.

• I have a right to be listened to and to have my concerns taken seriously without ridicule.

• I have a right to refuse to participate in treatment or medication recommended by my health care provider.

• I have a right to obtain a second opinion on any treatments, surgical procedures or health decisions recommended by my health care provider.

• I have a right to access and understand my medical records.

• I have a right to express grievances with treatment received and to bring my concerns and suggestions to the attention of Niagara Falls Community Health Centre management without negative impacts to my care.

• I have a right to confi dentiality of all information related to my care except in cases where the Centre is legally required to provide information.

• All information related to my care will remain confi dential unless I have provided written consent to release of such information.

• I have a right to know about all the services available at Niagara Falls Community Health Centre.

• I have a right to decline services provided by a student.

Client Responsibilities Clients using NFCHC programs and services should remember the following principles: 1. I have a responsibility to arrive for my appointments on time.

2. I have a responsibility to notify Niagara Falls Community Health Centre if I need to cancel an appointment.

3. I have a responsibility to learn about my body and how it works.

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4. I have a responsibility to follow the treatment plan my health care provider and I have agreed upon.

5. I have a responsibility to treat my health care provider with respect and courtesy.

6. I have a responsibility to tell my health care provider that I need more information or that I do not understand his/her instructions.

7. I have a responsibility to report unexpected changes in my condition to my health care provider.

8. I have a responsibility to learn as much as I can about my health care problems so that I can make the best choices.

9. I have a responsibility to look after my body to the best of my ability.

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The Health Care Team The health care team at Niagara Falls Community Health Centre is comprised of Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Family Doctors, Social Workers, Dietitian, Health Promotion and Outreach Workers as well as medical office and administrative support persons. This team works collaboratively together to provide an encompassing circle of care for all clients including primary health care, mental wellness, health education, support programs and access to community resources.

Administration Community Health Centre’s are fully funded by the LHIM by way of the Ontario Ministry of Health. The NFCHC management team is responsible for recruiting competent and motivated practitioners and support staff. The administrators oversee the human resources, programs and services and the staff that provide them.

Community Outreach Workers Sometimes people need assistance getting connected with programs and services as NFCHC or supports and resources that are available in the broader community. An Outreach Worker can assist people to obtain information, make applications for housing or other kinds of assistance relative to income, housing education and governmental documents. They can also direct clients to additional support services that may help in achieving their health goals.

Family Physicians Our family doctors are devoted to comprehensive primary health care for people of all ages, genders, or diseases. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. Our family doctors promote prevention and assist in helping clients manage their chronic conditions. At NFCHC family doctors work in conjunction with other health professionals to provide you with the right care at the right time.

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Health Promoters The Centre’s Health Promoter works to assist both clients of NFCHC and persons from the broader community to improve their health by contributing to healthy public policy, strengthening community action and participation, as well as supporting individuals and groups in the development of skills related to community building. A health promotion perspective keeps in mind that there are broad determinants that affect the health of individual, family and community. These determinants include: • Income • Employment • Child Development

• Education/Literacy • Healthy Environments • Housing

Health promoters develop partnerships with other community agencies to improve the health of the wider community. They also provide programs/groups that help individuals improve their lives impacting their health for the better. You can find information about upcoming health promotion programs on our website www.nfchc.ca or by calling the Health Promoter at (905) 356-4222.

Nurse Practitioners Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses that provide a full range of health care services to individuals and families. They provide care to clients of all ages with a focus on preventing disease, promoting good health and curing illness. They are able perform checkups, diagnose and treat illness, order tests, write prescriptions, provide education, perform procedures, and make referrals to physicians, specialists and other health care professionals.

Reception Our office staff are our clients initial point of contact with NFCHC. They welcome clients of the Health Centre, facilitate scheduling and confirm appointments, and carry out all of the clerical duties necessary for the effective and efficient care of our clients.

Registered Dietitian Registered Dietitians in Ontario are uniquely trained food and nutrition experts. As members of inter-professional health care teams, they are the recognized experts in translating scientific, medical and nutrition information into practical individualized therapeutic diet education for their clients.

Our Registered Dietitian offers nutritional assessments, group programs, and assists in developing individual client goals for a variety of health concerns such as: • • • • • • •

healthy eating heart health diabetes prevention and management, weight control pregnancy medical conditions such as cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies planning healthy meals on a limited budget www.nfchc.ca

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Registered Nurses & RPN’s Our nursing staff works within our primary care team to provide patient care which includes client education, monitoring illness, and tracking symptoms. They run our on site lab by performing blood work, giving immunizations and performing other health care tests. Our nurses also provide services out in the community providing flu clinics, health talks, or community wellness programs.

Social Workers Our counsellors at NFCHC are registered Social Workers with the Province of Ontario. They provide short term, goal oriented support for individuals and families without the means to access counseling in other environments. You can meet with a counsellor for: depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting, self-esteem, anger management, grief/loss, coping, life skills and a variety of other concerns. Counselling services are available during Health Centre hours. Please note that scheduled appointments are required.

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Community Programs and Services Niagara Falls Community Health Centre runs a wide range of programs that address the needs of our client base and are for the benefit of everyone in our community. It is not necessary to be a registered client of the Centre to participate in some of our community programs and services. Please contact our Health Promotion Team at (905) 356-4222 to find out more information about how to get involved with one or more of the following programs.

For more information including times and locations about these and other programs please call (905) 356-4222 or view our website at www.nfchc.ca

Counselling The counsellors at the NFCHC are registered Social Workers with the Province of Ontario.

They provide short term, goal-oriented support for individuals and families.

What can I see a Counsellor for?

This service is open to clients of Niagara Falls CHC and people without the means to access a registered social worker.

• • • •

Depression / Anxiety Parenting Anger Management Coping / Life Skills

• • • •

Relationships Self-Esteem Grief / Loss Other Concerns

Counselling services available during Health Centre hours. Scheduled appointments are required, please call (905) 356-4222.

Feet First In partnership with the Local Health Integrated Network, the Health Centre provides a home on Friday’s for regional diabetic foot care services. Our clients, as well as members from the broader community who have been diagnosed with diabetes can be referred to the services of the Feet First Program.

Health and Wellness Groups Our registered nurses and health promotion staff offer various community groups that address numerous health and wellness topics. These groups can also include free weekly sessions with diet or health education alongside an exercise component. Groups run at various locations around Niagara Falls during the year. Please check out our website for upcoming sessions

Identification Clinic The I.D. Clinic is an open service for any resident of Niagara Falls. The Clinic helps people who, for one reason or another, are in need of identification. The clinic operates on a firstcome, first-served basis. We process applications for birth certificates and can provide direction on how to replace health and S.I.N. cards. Please call (905) 356-4222 for the current hours of operation. www.nfchc.ca 11

Laboratory Services All registered primary health care clients benefit from the availability of nurses who provide veni puncture for blood testing purposes. The service is provided twice weekly in conjunction with the LifeLab Medical Laboratory Services.

Learning Opportunities NFCHC believes in the value of continuing education not only for our staff but also for the future of new professionals who have interest in the health of communities. We provide a variety of supervised learning opportunities in the form of student placements across many disciplines including medical, nursing, social work, community development and administrative support. Contact us if you have interest in finding out more about the possibilities.

Migrant Worker Primary Health Care Clinic This clinic is a project in partnership with QUEST Community Health Centre, AIDS Niagara, Niagara Public Health and the Agricultural Worker’s Association. The primary health clinic is offered to Niagara’s migrant worker populations and occurs on designated Sunday afternoons during the agricultural growing season.

Nutrition Services Individual Nutrition Counselling This service is open to clients of Niagara Falls CHC and people without the means to access a registered dietitian.

Group Nutrition Programs Dietitians facilitate programs for a variety of groups within and outside the Niagara Falls CHC. Our dietitian may also be available on request to visit neighbourhood groups and community programs.

For more information contact us at (905) 356-4222.

Outreach As a way of reaching out into the community to support individuals and families, staff have involvement in various locations and in community partner settings. Outreach staff are available to offer people support and links to Health Centre services and programs, as well as, other community services and resources. If your require assistance, please do not hesitate to call.

Smoking Cessation Trying to cut back? Trying to quit? NFCHC offers support to help people who are trying to quit smoking….. no matter what stage you are at. We assist you in identifying why you smoke, and then help you with the tips and strategies to make the lifestyle changes that over time lead to being smoke free. Let us help you as you take your first steps!

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Strengthening Families for the Future This unique parenting program offers families with children between the ages of 7 -11 the opportunity to build their family relationships, parenting abilities and further develop life skills. The weekly sessions last for three hours, and include: free dinner for families, separate parents’ and children’s groups, a joint family session as well as, free child care for those under seven or over 11 years.

Take Charge The Take Charge program is a six-week workshop created to support people to develop the skills to live successfully with a chronic health condition. The workshop helps people to manage: • • • •

symptoms such as pain, frustration and fear exercise and nutrition goal setting, problem solving and communicating needs medication and making informed treatment decisions

Call to find the date and location of the next workshop. Participants receive the program workbook. Care providers are also welcome to attend.

Volunteer Opportunities As the Health Centre grows and develops new services and programs, we endeavour to involve the community by providing opportunities for sharing and developing skills.

Do you have interest in supporting the Health Centre and the broader community? Do you have training or life experience that would equip you to contribute to the support of programs and services? Would you like to be a member of the Centre? Contact us to register as a volunteer!

Walk n’ Talk Do you want to be more active? Do you need the support of like minded people in your community? This walking group is open to anyone who needs a little support in making exercise part of their regular routine. Join us once a week on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Gale Centre for an invigorating walk, supportive conversation, and a free snack. We use the second level of Arena 1 (accessible by elevator). We accommodate all ages and fitness levels. Come Spring (and the nicer weather!), we will be back outside walking the track at Oakes Park.

YWCA Outreach NFCHC provides a half day a week of Nurse Practitioner primary health care and outreach staff support services. The services are for the women and children in transition who reside at the Niagara Falls YWCA shelter.

www.nfchc.ca

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NFCHC Contact List For Appointments (905)356-4222 FAX (905) 356-5676 www. nfchc.ca Administrative Assistant .......................................................................................... Ext. 222 Executive Director ................................................................................................... Ext. 224 Program Manager .................................................................................................... Ext. 225 Health Promotion & Programs................................................................................. Ext. 234 Outreach ................................................................................................................... Ext. 245

Community Partnership Contact Information Bridges Community Health Centre...................................... (Port Colborne) (289) 479-5017 ...................................................................................................... (Fort Erie) (905) 871-7621 Canadian Mental Health Association ............................................................ (905) 354-4576 Centre de Sante Communautaire Hamilton/Niagara ..................................... (905) 734-1141 Child and Adolescent Crisis Services …………………………………. ........1-800-263-4944 City Hall ......................................................................................................... (905) 356-7521 Community Addiction Services of Niagara…………………………… ..........(905) 684-1183 Contact Niagara…………………………………………………………. ..........1-800-933-3617 Distress Centre Niagara ………………………………………………… ..........(905) 688-5124 Family and Children’s Services Niagara………………………………. ...........(905)937-7730 Family Counselling Centre Niagara ………………………………….. ........... 1-888-937-7731 Family Mental Health Support Network of Niagara ………………… ..........(905) 894-6808 Gambling Support Services ……………………………………………. ...........(905)684-1859 Greater Niagara General Hospital……………………………………… ..........(905) 358-0171 Information Niagara ......................................................................................................... 211 Kid’s Help Phone ..........................................................................................1-800-668-6868 Narcotics Anonymous ................................................................................... (905) 685-0075 Niagara Boys and Girls Club ........................................................................ (905) 357-2444 14

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Niagara Child and Youth Services ............................................................... 1-800-563-0122 Niagara Falls Community Outreach Soup Kitchen.......................................(289) 686-0406 Niagara Falls Ontario Works..........................................................................(905) 354-3561 Niagara Folks Arts .........................................................................................(905) 358-3452 Niagara Multilingual Problem Gambling Program....................................... (905) 378-4647 Niagara North Community Legal Assistance ............................................... (905) 682-6635 Niagara Region...............................................................................................(905) 685-1571 Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre ......................................................... (905) 682-4584 Nightlight Youth Shelter .................................................................................(905) 358-3678 Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres ............................................................ (905)356-0666 Ontario Disability Support Program ..............................................................(905) 354-3561 Ontario Early Years Centre ............................................................................(905) 357-2398 Ontario Poison Centre ...................................................................................1-800-268-9017 Project Share .................................................................................................. (905) 357-5121 Powerhouse Project ....................................................................................... (905) 397-4201 Quest Community Health Centre (St. Catharines) ..........................................(905)688-2558 Salvation Army ............................................................................................. (905) 354-2834 Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment ............................................... (905)684-7271 YMCA ........................................................................................................... (905) 358-9622 YWCA Emergency Shelter ............................................................................(905) 988-3528

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BRIDGE STREET

ELLIS STREET

ELLIS STREET SIMCOE STREET

Hours of Operation: Monday ........ 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday ........ 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday ... 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thursday ...... 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Friday ........... 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

ELLIS STREET SIMCOE STREET

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MORRISON STREET

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HURON STREET ERIE AVENUE

ONTARIO AVENUE

NIAGARA FALLS

ZIMMERMAN AVENUE

QUEEN STREET ST. CLAIR AVENUE

BUCKLEY AVENUE

HURON STREET

ERIE AVENUE

CRYSLER AVENUE

ST. LAWRENCE AVENUE

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PARK STREET