Advancing Health Equity & Population Health – A Collaborative Journey
Carefirst’s commitment to advancing health equity and culturally responsive, localized population health continues to grow through strong collaboration with cross-sectoral funding partners and community members. We formed a dedicated Community Health Team to co-design and implement culturally responsive, integrated programs with partners—improving access to holistic care for equity-deserving groups like seniors, caregivers, newcomers, and racialized communities.
In 2024, we implemented the Locally Driven Population Health Model (LDPHM)—focusing on outreach, barrier-free access, and wraparound supports addressing the social determinants of health. Highlights include cervical screenings with Reena and Western York Region OHT for individuals with developmental challenges and the annual Celebrate Health Festival, co-hosted with Markham YMCA and EYRNDOHT, drawing 400+ residents and 20+ partners.
With support from York Region’s Community Investment Fund, Carefirst, South Asian Health Alliance, and Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action co-led the S.E.A.M.E. in Action project since 2024, empowering volunteer Community Ambassadors to promote mental wellness through culturally relevant, arts-based outreach in South and East Asian communities.
Through our partnership with Eastern York Region North Durham OHT (EYRNDOHT), TCCSA and CICS, we are expanding a Preventive Care Program that supports underserved individuals with personalized, culturally responsive health coaching and connections with Prevention Specialists.
Looking ahead, Carefirst and EYRNDOHT are launching culturally affirming, mobile primary care and wellness clinics aligned with Ontario’s Black Health Action Plan. We are also rolling out the I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism) program, offering EIDA-R training and mentorship to enhance inclusive family health care and diversify the health human resources.
We invite new and existing partners to join us in building healthier, more inclusive Neighbourhoods of Care.
For collaboration opportunities, please contact: ldphm@carefirstontario.ca