Immigrant health clinic receives annual funding

More than 600 have been helped

An immigrant health clinic that opened in the spring has now received base funding that will help ensure its continued operation.

The Victorian Order of Nurses in Windsor, a charitable organization, runs the clinic. The Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network is now providing a total of $380,779 in annual funding to help keep the clinic running.

The clinic was established in April as an interim measure to assist newcomers and, in particular, an influx of Syrian refugees. Over the past year, the clinic has provided help to more than 600 newcomers to Windsor and Essex County.

“I am very thankful for the help of the people at the VON clinic,” said Jamal Omais, who arrived in Windsor with his wife and three children in September.

“They have helped make it easier for my children to attend school, ensure my family is healthy and allowed us to become part of the community.”

The immigrant health clinic offers care for immediate health issues and comprehensive medical screenings as well as introductions to local physicians and clinics that are accepting new patients.

“The VON Immigrant Health Clinic is an excellent example of community partners coming together to help service a population of people who are at risk of becoming marginalized,” said Ralph Ganter, acting CEO of the Erie St. Clair LHIN.

“Ensuring that newcomers and immigrants have the opportunity to be a healthy member of the community is the right thing to do.”