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

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

TORONTO, Dec. 16 /CNW/ - Tomorrow the Christie Refugee Health Clinic will open its doors offering on-site health services to more than 175 refugee families who stay at the shelter each year. Partnering with Dr. Meb Rashid and Dr. Jim Sugiyama, the Clinic will focus on comprehensive health care and preventative services. The on-site clinic at Christie Refugee Welcome Centre where the patients already feel welcomed, safe and accepted will help to eliminate the overwhelming barriers confronted by this vulnerable population.

"I strongly believe that having a presence at the shelter site facilitates access to health care for this population", says Dr. Meb Rashid, who has extensive experience in multicultural and refugee health." Jim and I are confident that providing such services will enhance the health of newly arrived refugees at the Welcome Centre and facilitate their integration into Canadian society."

There currently exist tremendous gaps in providing preventative interventions for newly arrived refugees. For example, recent studies have found more than 30 per cent of adult refugees are susceptible to vaccine preventable illnesses and more than 40 per cent may have latent Tuberculosis infections. Many refugees have endured immense trauma and the consequences often manifests post arrival in Canada.

"The Health Clinic will compliment the existing services offered to refugees at the Christie Street site," says Linda Moorcroft, Executive Director. "Giving a good start to refugee families is our primary goal at the Centre. The gift of health will give families a better chance as they begin their lives in Canada."

About Christie Refugee Welcome Centre

Christie Refugee Welcome Centre offers emergency shelter and settlement services to refugee families. The 70-bed shelter offers a wide range of basic needs and settlement services.

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].