TORONTO, March 30, 2015 /CNW/ - Planned Parenthood Toronto (PPT) and Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre (DPNCHC) are pleased to announce the launch of EdgeWest, a drop-in clinic for youth aged 13-29 across Toronto's west side.
EdgeWest offers free and confidential medical, mental, and sexual health care services in a youth-positive environment. Youth do not require appointments, or even health cards, to access services at the new clinic.
EdgeWest was created following reports from area youth that a lack of available services were preventing them from accessing health care, ultimately leading to higher rates of unnecessary emergency room visits. In response, PPT and DPNCHC —with support from LOFT Community Services —joined forces to create an accessible and youth-informed clinic that aims to remove barriers to treatment and meet youth where they're at.
"EdgeWest is a true partnership, as it carries with it all three organizations' commitment to accessible, non-judgmental, and empowering service provision," says Kim Fraser, Executive Director at DPNCHC.
The clinic's comprehensive mix of services makes it easier for youth to treat multiple issues and benefit from continuity in their care, while it also removes the unfortunate stigma that still surrounds mental and sexual health treatment, "At EdgeWest, youth can just as easily receive counseling for depression as they can purchase low-cost birth control, or have a common cold diagnosed." explains Sarah Hobbs-Blyth, Executive Director at PPT. "Everyone working at EdgeWest is committed to offering services that are youth positive, LGBTQ positive, sex positive, pro-choice, confidential and non-judgmental.
EdgeWest is located within DPNCHC facilities at 1900 Davenport Road, and is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-8pm, and Saturdays from 10am-2pm.
The EdgeWest launch event will take place at Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre on March 31st, from 4-7pm. Members of the media are invited to attend the event, which will include tours of the new clinic. Speeches will begin at 5:30, and interviews with Kim Fraser and Sarah Hobbs-Blyth will be available upon request.
SOURCE Planned Parenthood Toronto
Image with caption: "EdgeWest Health Centre for Youth (CNW Group/Planned Parenthood Toronto)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150330_C6126_PHOTO_EN_13697.jpg
Media Contact: Sarah Hobbs, Email: [email protected], Phone: 416 961 0113 Ext 135
Share this article