Media Advisory - Refugees to receive gift of health care this holiday season

Health Clinic opens to offer vulnerable refugees a better start in Canada

TORONTO, Dec. 13 /CNW/ - Christie Refugee Health Clinic will open its doors on Friday, December 17 offering on-site health services to more than 175 refugee families who stay at the shelter each year. Over 30,000 refugees come to Canada each year. Many have endured conditions of immense hardship with limited access to health care.

Partnering with Dr. Meb Rashid and Dr. Jim Sugiyama, the clinic will focus on holistic care and preventative services. The on-site clinic, in an environment where the patients already feel welcomed, safe and accepted, will help to eliminate the overwhelming barriers confronted by this vulnerable population such as a navigating a complex system, language barriers and lack of awareness of specific needs of refugees. The Health Clinic hopes by addressing primary health and preventative issues, refugees will have a better start in Canada.

When:		Friday, December 17 - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where:		Christie Refugee Welcome Centre 43 Christie Street Toronto, ON  M6G 3B1 (half a block north of Bloor on Christie)

Please visit www.christiestreetrc.com for more information on Christie Refugee Welcome Centre. 

For further information:

Linda Moorcroft, Executive Director, Christie Refugee Welcome Centre, office: [phone] ext 24, cell: [phone], [email protected]; Dr. Meb Rashid, [email protected]; Dr. Jim Sugiyama, [email protected].