In the News
Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes has received the highest status possible from a national organization that reviews quality of programs and operations.
The agency was recently informed that Accreditation Canada has awarded Community Care “Accredited With Exemplary Standing” following a recent successful review of the agency and a realignment of national assessment levels.
“Our agency voluntarily participates in the accreditation process in the pursuit of excellence and to be measured against national standards for quality in community care,” said Cathy Danbrook, Chief Executive Officer of Community Care. “This exemplary standing status is good news for our thousands of clients who can be assured that Community Care is providing the best service and support programs possible.”
Accreditation Canada is an independent assessment body that provides health agencies with an external peer review to assess quality of their services. Participating organizations are measured by standards that examine all aspects of health care, from patient safety and ethics, to staff training and partnering with the community. Accredited agencies include hospitals, health centres and community-based social support service providers. Community Care is one of only 1,000 agencies in the country recognized by Accreditation Canada for its quality health services and practices.
Following an extensive examination of the entire organization by Accreditation Canada surveyors in March 2011, Community Care received full accreditation status for the next three years. Ms Danbrook explained that Accreditation Canada recently incorporated new decision levels, with four different standings possible.
“Our organization’s decision was recalculated for the new standings, and we received the highest level possible,” Danbrook said.
Feb. 13, 2012
Taylor Hainstock of Community Care adds print material on healthy lifestyle choices to one of the 101 Good Food Boxes which were picked up at the Lindsay Moose Lodge on Jan. 17. Community Care recently assumed delivery of the program.
Community Care takes over Good Food Box program
By Catherine Whitnall
Kawartha Lakes This Week
(LINDSAY) Accessing quality, fresh fruits and vegetables can be a challenge, especially as food prices continue to rise.
Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes is helping make it a little easier.
Recently, the agency assumed the delivery of the Good Food Box program in Lindsay. Previously managed by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, the program is designed to give residents the chance to purchase a box of locally produced – or locally supplied – fruits and vegetables once a month for only $15 per box. Quite often, the retail value is double that price. Each month, roughly 150 boxes were prepared for pickup by residents.
The program is not restricted to any specific demographic or income level. Anyone wishing to purchase a box simply contacts Community Care and prepays by the first Tuesday of each month. Boxes are available for pickup the third Tuesday.
Good Food Box project co-ordinator Taylor Hainstock said Community Care’s decision to take over the program’s delivery was a perfect fit.
“With the Community Health Centre coming under Community Care’s umbrella, there was a prerequisite to have community programs operating as well,” said Ms Hainstock. “The health unit was looking for a program provider anyway and the (Good Food Box) program was a nice way to fill that gap. It’s also a great opportunity to take advantage of Community Care’s resources and build on what’s already being offered in the community.”
Although delivery options are limited, Ms Hainstock said there is a possibility of linking up with programs such as Community Care’s Diners’ Club and support from volunteer drivers to expand access into other communities. Currently, boxes are picked up at the Lindsay Moose Lodge.
Ms Hainstock added that, in addition to the food, the boxes also contain a newsletter packed with exciting recipes, storage tips, fun facts and games, as well as information on healthy lifestyle choices.
For more information on the Good Food Box program, please call 705-324-7323. Payment for boxes is cash only and is accepted at both Community Care’s Lindsay office at 34 Cambridge St. S. (second floor) and the Community Health Centre at 108 Angeline St. S. (back of building).
January 18, 2012
Dental clinic fills gap
By Catherine Whitnall
Kawartha Lakes This Week
(LINDSAY) A new dental clinic for low-income residents is helping fill the gap for those unable to acquire treatment due to cost.
Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes, working in partnership with its Community Health Centre, local health unit and the City’s social services department, has received a positive response to the dental clinic, which opened its doors this fall.
When the Community Health Centre was identified, staff conducted a community engagement study. The survey revealed oral health, and the challenge of accessing affordable care, was identified as a top need, said Community Care CEO Cathy Danbrook.
While the health unit does offer some programs, such as Children in Need of Treatment (CINOT), it is limited in scope. There are also many low-income individuals and families without dental coverage or the finances to access treatment.
Filling this gap is important, said dentist Dr. Indervir Mann, as good oral health goes hand-in-hand with good overall health.
“It’s definitely a less expensive option,” said Dr. Mann.
If left untreated, dental decay can have devastating effects on children, including loss of sleep, failure to thrive, malnourishment, poor learning and absence from school. The longer treatment is delayed, the more extensive and costly it becomes.
In developing the state-of-the-art clinic, the health centre received $250,000 from the province through the Healthy Smiles Ontario program, coordinated by the local health unit.
The board was also successful in recruiting a four-member team, which includes Dr. Mann.
Dr. Mann grew up in Windsor, obtained his dental degree at the University of Toronto and completed post-graduate training at Vancouver General Hospital.
Actively involved in his home community, volunteering with his local United Way and VON, Community Care’s vision of “a healthy community through care and support” held a special appeal.
“I just felt it would be a good place for me,” he said.
The clinic, located at 108 Angeline St. S. in Lindsay (rear ofthe building) is currently open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., three days a week. It will open full time in December.
Eligible clients will be screened over the phone by calling (705)-324-7323 ext. 180. People must contact the health unit at 705-324-3569 to enrol in Healthy Smile; open to youths up to age 17.
Nov. 14, 2011
