From 2014-2020, community members and health professionals have been advocating to bring a community health centre to Renfrew-Collingwood.

Renfrew-Collingwood has a very low number of family doctors for the local population, compared to other parts of Vancouver. Many community members in Renfrew-Collingwood face barriers to care including: transportation barriers, language barrier, lack of childcare, lack of availability for evening and weekend appointments, trouble navigating the health care system, and experience of discrimination.

The Community Development department at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) carried out extensive community engagement with community members about their health care needs, previous health-related experiences, and hopes for a community health centre. Their voices informed the service plan for RISE Community Health Centre. Extensive research and community consultation informed the decision to focus on the following populations: Indigenous, youth, isolated seniors, newcomers, gender diverse people (LGBTQ2S), sex workers, those who are homeless or inadequately housed, people experiencing racism, people with mental health conditions, and those with problematic substance use.

Infographic: “What are Community Health Centres?” To view the information, click here.

RISE is part of Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), a non-profit society governed by a volunteer board of directors. RISE works with an Advisory Committee of patients, volunteers and CNH board members who provide community input in RISE CHC’s services and direction, and who make recommendations to the CNH board about governance issues related to RISE CHC.

Funding for RISE Community Health Centre is provided through the BC Ministry of Health.