Examine the History of Community Health Centres in Canada

The History of Community Health Centers in Canada
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Introduction
Community Health Centers (CHCs) are known to be a distinctive primary care delivery models that are governed by community boards. They deliver programs and services within a certain population health framework and have extensive community involvement, including volunteerism. The Community Health Centre concept represents an important next step in the development of the Canadian health system. CHCs shift focus from individuals seeking medical attention when sick to preventative care and keeping Canadians healthy, ultimately removing other barriers to good health (Shah, & Moloughney, 2010).
Community Health Centers provide primary care services and health promotion programs with an emphasis on priority populations which require improved access to care and/or have a higher disease burden requiring additional resources. Problems of access may be the result of socioeconomic status, geographic isolation, cultural or language barriers. Illness burden may be related to age, socio-economic status, or environment factors. Community health centers have the following qualities in Canada; use a population needs-based and determinants of health approach to plan, develop and provide primary health care services, including treatment and health promotion, Encourage individuals, families and communities within a specific population, defined by either geographic boundaries or communities of affiliation to take greater responsibility for their health and wellbeing (Health and Welfare Canada, 2014).
Apart from those qualities they also create inter-disciplinary teams of salaried staff, who provide coordinated services 24 hours a day and Maximize the outcome of services provided by involving clients and community in resource allocation decisions through Integrating culturally appropriate services e.g. provide native healing and medicines in centers with an Aboriginal focus or settlement services for immigrant communities (Shah, & Moloughney, 2010). In Canada Community health centers are not-for-profit corporations but are governed by volunteer community based boards of directors that encourage healthy community by working in partnerships with organizations in other sectors, such as justice, education, recreation and economic development.
Health centers in Canada begun early in Ontario. Community Health Centers date back to the early 1960s and 1970s. Generally they began as the result of community activism to improve access to health care. The Sault St. Marie and District Group Health Association was the first health to open as a group practice due to the mobilization of mine workers in the area. Although its model is based on a different funding formula, it has been a source of inspiration to the further development of clinical health centers in the country (Angus & Pran, 2012).
History and Development of Community Health Centers
Public participation or consumer sponsorship of health facilities and services has a long and rich history internationally, across Canada and in Nova Scotia itself. They have included voluntary health agencies and charities, mental health programs, well-women clinics, women’s centers, hospital foundations an...