After 24 years of working at South Riverdale CHC, starting as a health promoter and growing from there, I was honoured to accept the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in November 2024. It’s in my new role that I’m excited to share SRCHC’s 2024-25 Annual Report.
It’s been a year of significant changes. We’ve taken bold steps forward, celebrating the launch of several new innovative programs, such as the Early Pregnancy Clinic at Michael Garron Hospital. But we’ve also faced some tough moments.
On March 21, 2025, we permanently closed keepSIX, the Consumption and Treatment Service (CTS) site we’ve operated since 2019, following a government directive. This vital service saved hundreds of lives and connected people who use drugs to essential wrap-around care. keepSIX is irreplaceable and its absence is deeply felt. SRCHC will continue to find ways to serve clients who used keepSIX as valued members of our community.
Our commitment to providing equitable access to healthcare remains strong and we’re encouraged by the government’s promised $1.8 billion investment to expand access to primary healthcare for everyone—a step in the right direction. This year, we launched Primary CONNECT, a partnership project with Parkdale Queen West CHC and CAMH that’s connecting underserved individuals to primary care.
As a community-based primary care organization, we see this transformation (which is led by Dr. Jane Philpott and the province’s Primary Care Action Team) as a game-changer. Their goal is to ensure that everyone in the province has access to a “health home” that includes a team of health professionals and links to social supports and community services.
At South Riverdale CHC, we embody this vision of a health home. Like many CHCs, we provide low-barrier, connected healthcare rooted in community to every person we serve, including newcomers, people living with chronic conditions, and individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. The government’s new direction reinforces the work we’re proud to do in East Toronto.
Please keep reading to find out how we make it happen – just as we have for almost 50 years.