Black Health Innovation is embedded in the work of many Community Health Centres (CHCs), reflecting their ongoing commitment to supporting African, Caribbean and Black communities. As we mark 30 years of Black History Month in Canada, CACHC is highlighting a few examples of how CHCs are advancing innovative models of care in their communities. 

Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (Hamilton, ON), offers robust programs for the Black community they serve. Initiatives such as the Black Men Wellness Group, Healing with African Music and Black Girls Talk demonstrate how Black Social Prescribing can strengthen connections and identity. Their Black Health Team offers culturally safe, community-based care for Black individuals grounded in Africentric lenses. Coming soon, Obodo Maternal Care, a program for Black mothers and families is focused on breastfeeding education and decision-making support for Black mothers while affirming their cultural beliefs, as well as Sickle Cell Disease Care to empower those living with this disease. 

Sexuality Education Resource Centre Manitoba (Winnipeg, MB) in partnership with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, developed an Afro-Franco Outreach project to enhance awareness of sexual health resources. The initiative has hosted multiple sessions for youth, teens 16-18 years and adult groups, alongside community awareness displays to share information and referrals. This project’s objective is to engage with Afro-Francophone newcomer groups. 

Rexdale Community Health Centre (Etobicoke, ON) prioritizes African, Caribbean and Black populations within their catchment area. Rexdale CHC is piloting the TO Wards Peace Project child and youth program, which aims to interrupt community violence and support those with lived experience around anti-black racism, trauma and violence. They also offer Black-led health equity programs that focus on mental health, chronic disease prevention and community wellness, youth empowerment and mentorship programs for Black youth facing barriers and Black women’s health programs focused on maternal health. 

Somerset West Community Health Centre (Ottawa, ON) offers several Black focused programs for the community in Ottawa including African, Caribbean and Black HIV prevention, a Black Community Support Phone Line for service navigation, advocacy, and health coaching, a Black Mental Health program and counselling services for the Black community as well as workshops and community events. 

Wellfort Community Health Centre (Mississauga, ON) is hosting a Black History Month Event on February 21st with engaging activities like Zumba/Socacise, dance performances, spoken word poetry featuring Black artists, kids’ activities, cartoonist, keynote speakers and cultural food. This event has the goal of discussing the future of Black health innovation and the legacy of Black History Month. 

While February is dedicated to Black History Month, we are excited to see the work CHCs are doing every day, all year long, through Black social prescribing and culturally sensitive health care and support. We encourage all CHCs across the country to adopt and strengthen culturally grounded practices or events that affirm and support African, Caribbean and Black communities.