CHC Model
What is a Community Health Centre?
Community Health Centres (CHCs) are multi-sector health and healthcare organizations that deliver integrated, people-centred services and programs that reflect the needs and priorities of the diverse communities they serve.
Community Health Centres are created by not-for-profit organizations and co-operatives that are committed to providing comprehensive, accessible, affordable, and culturally-appropriate services through a collaborative team approach.
CHCs are multi-service, multi-disciplinary organizations that help ensure that everyone in BC has access to the right care provider at the right time.
CHCs make an essential contribution to the health and wellbeing of BC communities - particularly among under-served populations who struggle to access to appropriate care.
CHCs are community governed-centres with integrated primary care teams alongside services and programs to promote healthy living and community wellbeing. As non-profit organizations, they are designed to be responsive to the unique needs of the community.
Multi-Service Teams
CHCs are multi-service, multi-disciplinary organizations that help ensure that everyone in BC has access to the right care provider at the right time.
Equity-Focused Care
CHCs make an essential contribution to the health and wellbeing of BC communities - particularly among under-served populations who struggle to access appropriate care.
Community-Governed
CHCs are community-governed centres with integrated primary care teams alongside services and programs to promote healthy living and community wellbeing. As non-profit organizations, they are designed to be responsive to the unique needs of the community.
Community Health Centre Profiles
The Community Health Centre model is based on a set of principles for equity-focused, interdisciplinary care that is governed by the community. It allows for communities to act responsively and design services to align with local needs. Learn more about the diversity of CHCs in BC by browsing examples below.
AVI Health and Community Services
- Victoria, Island Health
- 1,000 patients/clients annually
- Will be integrated with a PCN
AVI serves the needs of people infected and affected by HIV and hepatitis C. This CHC takes evidence-based action to prevent infection, provide support, and reduce stigma.
Central Interior Native Health
- Prince George, Northern Health
- Indigenous Populations
- Not connected to a PCN
Primary Health Care means inclusive, accessible and safe health care. At Central Interior Native Health, it also means more than just seeing a doctor. Services at this Prince George CHC are offered by an interdisciplinary team which includes nurses, social workers, counsellors and support staff. The team is ready to support patients to not only feel better physically but feel better in every way. Central Interior Native Health is a model of care that builds on the strengths of Aboriginal Peoples.
REACH Community Health Centre
- Vancouver, Vancouver Coastal Health
- 20,000 patients/clients annually
- Not connected to a PCN
REACH Community Health Centre has been providing community-based health care for fifty years, and strives to be more than just a doctor or dentist’s office. Their interdisciplinary team offers a variety of health and social services under one roof.
Gabriola Island Health Centre
- Gabriola Island, Island Health
- GIHC serves 4000+ patients/clients annually.
- Not connected to a PCN.
Gabriola Island has a long history of adapting health services to meet the needs of local residents, and today community members have a health centre to call their own.