An Indigenous-led primary care organization celebrated 25 years of service with the opening of a new, expanded clinic space in London.
The Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre cut the ribbon on its new facility at 493 Dundas Street on Wednesday.
The new location more than doubles the centre's previous clinic space on William Street and offers increased privacy and accessibility for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals living in London.
Brian Dokis, the centre's CEO, stressed that providing improved access to culturally safe health care services to Indigenous community members is critical.
"We know that Indigenous peoples face significant barriers to accessing health care and we are proud to provide care that is culturally aware and understands the impact of past experiences with systemic racism on people’s willingness to engage with health care providers," said Dokis. "We work to build trust with our clients so they feel safe when accessing our services.”
The centre had been looking for a new site since 2013. Its old location was within a repurposed house that lacked parking and was not accessible. The provincial Ministry of Health provided funding for the move. In the new three-storey Dundas Street building, the centre is able to offer new onsite services and programs including pharmacy services, physiotherapy, medicine gardens, sacred fire space, and a sweat lodge.
"We are grateful to be celebrating 25 years of service in the region, and look forward to continuing this important legacy for many more years to come with the support of our community," said Dokis. "We know that the need for our services will only continue to grow as more Indigenous individuals connect with us and understand the impact our high quality, wholistic health and wellness practices can have in their lives.”
The Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre currently provides services to more than 35,000 Indigenous people in London, Windsor, Newbury, Owen Sound, Waterloo, Wellington, and the surrounding First Nation communities.
