Today, on National Physicians’ Day, Regional Essential Access to Connected Healthcare (REACH) Niagara is recognizing the important role doctors have in providing care. Without the multidisciplinary care provided at REACH clinics, thousands of community members would be forced to seek care at an emergency department or go without.
“Our doctors: 10 family physicians, two internal medicine specialists, and two psychiatrists are the foundation of our healthcare team providing care to homeless and marginalized people in Niagara, who do not have a family doctor,” says Dr. Karl Stobbe, Medical Director, REACH Niagara. “Together with an interprofessional team, our doctors provide primary care, and access to specialists and diagnostic services to people who otherwise would not be able to access care. Join me in thanking this remarkable team!”
REACH Niagara operates clinics across the region in collaboration with social services and healthcare organizations. Clinics provide primary care, prevention screening, counselling, system navigation, referrals, and other supports to those who are without, or are at risk of losing, access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, or shelter. This includes those who are homeless, precariously housed, or victims of intimate partner violence.
“We’re so fortunate to be partners with REACH Clinic. Many of the women and children in shelter have been unable to take care of their physical and mental health while living in an abusive relationship,” says Jennifer Gauthier, Executive Director, Birchway Niagara. “Through Dr. Scott and the REACH team’s incredible support, they are now able to access the care they need to take charge of their family’s health.”
In addition to primary care clinics, REACH also operates Niagara’s Substance Use and Addictions Program. Substance use and addictions programs are evidence-based programs that provide wraparound supports to community members experiencing addiction, including physicians prescribing safer, controlled prescription drugs to replace illicit drugs that contain unknown quantities of substances.
Here is what some of the physicians who work with REACH Niagara have to say this Doctors’ Day:
“Respect for personal autonomy and human dignity require that every person everywhere have access to adequate food, water, housing and healthcare. It is hard to imagine society surviving unless we find a way to bring it about. It is within reach.” – Dr. Richard Scott
“The patient population that REACH serves are heavily vulnerable in many ways. The physicians and staff have fostered a safe space to help ensure these patients have access to care. It is rewarding to be involved with this organization that helps address these healthcare inequities.” – Dr. Lauren Wilson
REACH encourages community members to learn more about services provided and to share them with people in need. Learn more at reachniagara.com.
Supporting REACH Niagara
If you are a community member, you can make an impact in a numbers of ways:
- Sign up for our email list: http://eepurl.com/iFIv_2
- Make a donation: https://bit.ly/4aBI46S