Chigamik Health Centre Hosts Open House to Showcase Services

Residents of north Simcoe had the opportunity to learn about local health services during an open house event held by the Chigamik Community Health Care Centre. The three-hour event attracted approximately 50 attendees and highlighted various community programs available at the Midland Community Health Hub. This open house was part of a broader celebration for Community Health and Wellbeing Month, organized by the Alliance for Healthier Communities.

The theme of the event was described as a “taste test” of popular programs and services offered at Chigamik, according to Aidan Boucher, programs and services assistant. “We’re offering them in a rapid-fire format and a bite-sized chunk so that people can sample some of the services available here, without the commitment of time and travel for a full program length,” Boucher explained.

Participants could engage in a variety of activities, including sessions on balance and mindfulness, an Indigenous culture workshop, a Nia movement class, and group singing aimed at improving lung health. Light-hearted videos titled “The Morning Show in Midland” were presented at the beginning of each segment to introduce what attendees could expect. Interactivity was encouraged, with participants enjoying cedar tea while learning about Indigenous connections and filling out journals to explore their inner balances.

Residents Linda and Francis, who wished to be identified by their first names only, attended the event to discover more about local opportunities. “We’re just interested in what they do here,” Linda stated. “We wanted to check it out and see what it was all about.” Francis added, “(We learned) that there are those options available in our community for these opportunities to do the programs, which we didn’t know.”

Executive director Suzanne Marchand emphasized the importance of the support models available for all north Simcoe residents. “We’re providing everybody a little bit of a snippet and a sample of all of the great free services at the centre,” she said. Marchand noted that Chigamik offers a range of social services and programs designed to enhance community connectivity and reduce feelings of isolation.

The participation levels at Chigamik have seen a notable increase, with user numbers rising from over 2,380 in 2023 to nearly 2,510 in 2024. More than 2,000 participants accessed the organization’s programs this year alone. Marchand highlighted the centre’s commitment to providing free programming that encourages the exploration of cultural experiences, addressing the stigma surrounding mental health. “It aligns with our holistic approach, and it’s about our overall health and well-being – not just about that physical well-being, but it’s that emotional, spiritual, and that sense of belonging in community,” she stated.

For more information about the programs and services offered by Chigamik, interested individuals can visit the Chigamik website.