SPOTLIGHT: Windsor Essex Community Health Centre adapts to COVID-19
The weCHC in Sandwich is one of six locations in Windsor and Essex County (Photo by Laryssa Brooks)
Seven months into COVID-19, many are starting to shake off feelings of isolation and fatigue.
The Windsor Essex Community Health Centre (weCHC) has been a crucial part of this. It’s celebrating these efforts this week by sharing them with the community.
“We amended our programs and services, and we made them accessible and equitable for our community members,” said Alexandra Wiseman, weCHC health promotor.
She added, “We made sure that our clients and the Windsor Essex community were able to have their needs met and feel supported in this time of social isolation.”
The weCHC’s team of nurses, social workers, dieticians and other professionals works to provide free care to the community. Patients can visit one of six local centres to receive streamlined support.
“If you need to see three people, they’re able to share notes. You don’t have to share your story as many times as there are providers,” said Wiseman.
The centre quickly expanded this system to adapt to COVID-19. Changes included virtual and phone appointments, online health classes and door-to-door services.
“We have social workers and nurse practitioners who are going out into the community to people who don’t feel comfortable walking in clinic doors or who don’t feel safe sitting in a waiting room,” explained Shelby Colarossi, public relations and development coordinator for the weCHC. “Healthcare does not give up.”
This success is due to immense teamwork and support from the community. Residents and healthcare workers alike have come together to provide their time, expertise and even fabric for masks.
“We’ve seen so many people and organizations step up here in Windsor Essex to ensure people still have access to vital services and support during the pandemic,” Rita Taillefer, weCHC’s executive director, said in a statement.
And residents have needed this support more than ever. Stress and isolation have magnified anxiety, depression, eating disorders and other mental health challenges for many, while the dangers of public crowds have affected ease of access.
The weCHC Street Health location in downtown Windsor (Photo by Laryssa Brooks)
Thankfully, the weCHC’s focus has been equitable access to healthcare. Its efforts have even helped shape the future of healthcare in Windsor and Essex overall. “When COVID-19 emerged initially, everyone kind of went into shutdown mode and focused around this year of the pandemic. And then slowly, I think, healthcare changed,” said Colarossi.
One of those changes was eHealth Windsor Essex. Residents can visit the website to learn which healthcare centres are open and learn about COVID-19.
Wiseman said residents can continue to support the weCHC by sharing information about access to services and checking in with family and friends. “When we come together, we can overcome just about anything.”
For more information about the weCHC, visit their website and Facebook page.
