The Windsor-Essex Community Health Centre in Leamington is sticking around for the long-term.
The Erie-St. Clair LHIN announced $1-million in annual funding for the branch on Wednesday which will allow the office to continue operating in Leamington while expanding its primary care service.
Acting CEO for the area LHIN, Ralph Ganter, says the operation set up at the recently renovated Central 33 is a great spot to better reach vulnerable communities in the area.
"There's other services in this building that also compliment [primary care]," says Ganter. "The location was excellent, the size and the way that it was set up compliments it a number of different ways."
Ganter says the funding allows for gaps in primary care to be filled in the Leamington area, with the focus on Low-German speaking residents, migrant workers and newcomers as well as indigenous people and those with low or no income.
"It'll be more nursing, more social workers. It's part of the plan in terms of this circle of providers to help with primary care," says Ganter.
Health outreach worker with the Windsor-Essex CHC, Helen Quick, says having the support to focus on vulnerable groups will make a big difference.
"It's huge," says Quick. "When you find out what the issues are and being able to pull it back and say, 'We've got a multi-disciplinary team here — we can help."
Along with the primary care offered at the site, the clinic is also partnering with Leamington District Memorial Hospital to offer the Leamington and Area Moms and Babies (LAMB) program to improve pre and post natal care.
The site is accepting patients. For more information visit the agency's website or call 519-258-6002.
