New &
In The News
Your Feedback Matters
August 10, 2026
At Black Creek Community Health Centre, your experience and feedback matters.
The best way for us to understand what is working well – and where we can improve – is to hear directly from clients and caregivers. Your feedback helps guide how we deliver care, programs and services across the health centre.
Please take a few minutes to complete a brief, anonymous Client and Caregiver Experience Survey. Your input helps your care team create a welcoming, respectful and responsive place for everyone who comes through our doors.
The survey is available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Hungarian. Printed copies are also available at the reception desks at our North York Sheridan and Yorkgate locations.
Thank you for helping us strengthen the care, connection and community you deserve.
BCCHC Executive Director Cheryl Prescod was joined by Tom Rakocevic, MPP for Humber River – Black Creek, and representatives of Ontario Health, Toronto and the Northwest Toronto Ontario Health Team, Community Partners, Black Creek CHC Staff, Community Ambassadors and members of the community for the announcement. BCCHC is currently accepting new clients at its service locations and at partner sites.
More Than 7,500 Northwest Toronto Residents to Access Primary Care
Through $3.1 Million Provincial Investment
July 29, 2026
Over the next year, more than 7,500 clients from the Black Creek community will connect with family doctors, nurse practitioners and primary care teams because of a new provincial $3.1 million investment that is expanding access to primary care services for more families!
“For us, primary care is about more than having somewhere to go when you are sick. It’s about having a trusted team that knows you, understands the circumstances affecting your health, and can provide culturally appropriate care and support over time,” says Cheryl Prescod, Executive Director, Black Creek CHC. “We are incredibly proud to work with our community partners to welcome thousands more individuals and families into care.”
This expanded access supports an interprofessional approach to care, connecting individuals and families from the area with physicians and nurse practitioners who work alongside allied health and social service professionals to attend to medical matters, support mental health, meet practical needs and provide social support that contributes to overall health and well-being.
Additionally, Black Creek CHC has expanded access to care for French-speaking clients and offers interpretation services for newcomers lacking fluency in English.
Even during the announcement in the parking lot at Yorkgate Mall, community members who were curious about the gathering connected with Ambassadors for access to primary care services with Black Creek CHC and other community partners.
Residents who do not currently have a family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care provider are encouraged to learn more about the importance of a consistent, ongoing relationship with their primary care provider. Fill out an application to register for primary care at bcchc.com/primary-care/
Applications are available in French, Spanish and English. The community is invited to learn more about primary care in Northwest Toronto at nwtoht.ca. For more information, please call Black Creek CHC at 416-249-8000 or 416-246-2388.
Rooted in Care, Thriving in Community – A Proud Legacy
June 26, 2026
Black Creek Community Health Centre’s 2025–2026 Annual Impact Report celebrates another year of advancing equitable, compassionate care for the communities of Northwest Toronto. From expanding access to primary care, mental health support, diabetes prevention, newcomer services and community outreach, to strengthening innovative partnerships, the report reflects a shared commitment to improving health and wellbeing.
This year’s report also highlights the power of collaboration, research and community leadership in addressing the social determinants of health. Whether through award-winning programs, culturally responsive services, or trusted relationships built over decades, Black Creek CHC continues to remove barriers, connecting people to care.
Most importantly, the report is a celebration of the clients, staff, volunteers, partners and supporters who make this work possible every day. Together, we are building healthier communities – ensuring everyone has access to the Care We Deserve.
Read the full Annual Impact Report to learn more about this year’s community impact.
Black Creek CHC’s Diabetes Prevention Program Receives National Recognition
June 15, 2026
Black Creek Community Health Centre is proud to be recognized as a Grand Prize Winner in the Government of Canada’s Diabetes Prevention Challenge, receiving $1.25 million to support the continued impact of its innovative Health Coaching to Wellness program.
Developed with community and delivered in partnership with NexJ Health, the evidence-informed program connects people at risk of type 2 diabetes with trained Community Health Coaches who bring lived experience, cultural understanding and practical guidance rooted in trust.
More than 200 participants took part in the program, connecting through video coaching sessions and secure messages, to build healthy routines and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
This recognition reflects the power of community-designed solutions. Black Creek CHC will now share this proven model with other communities through Community Health Centres, helping more people access culturally responsive support to live healthier lives.
From Lived Experience to Lifting Others Up
May 23, 2026
When Othneil Brooks lost his job, he connected with Cyril, a Health Navigator, at Black Creek Community Health Centre. Cyril helped Othneil access Employment Insurance, connected him with other community supports and encouraged him to recognize his unique strengths and abilities.
While Othneil was residing in a shelter, he was also building a new direction for his life. He took part in learning opportunities through Black Creek CHC’s Black Entrepreneurship Alliance and at Centennial College. He volunteers with Good Shepherd, Fred Victor and Red Door, where he is gaining experience in hospitality, harm reduction support, and working with people facing homelessness and addiction.
Othneil hopes to bring together his training, his natural ability to connect with people, and his lived experience, to support young people and others navigating difficult circumstances.
“I feel now like my lived experience is valuable. I can share with people because I truly understand what they are dealing with, he says.”
For Othneil, kindness is not a small thing. “If you don’t add to the negative,” he says, “there’s hope.”
Care We Deserve
May 13, 2026
At Black Creek Community Health Centre, we believe everyone deserves access to welcoming, high-quality care – regardless of income, culture, language, immigration status or life circumstance.
Your health needs are as unique as you are. At a Community Health Centre, care is more than treating an illness or responding to one concern at a time.
At Black Creek Community Health Centre, clients can connect with an interdisciplinary team that may include nurse practitioners, physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians, respiratory therapists, chiropodists, physiotherapists, health promoters and harm reduction providers.
Our care team works with individuals and families of all ages to support health and wellbeing in ways that reflect the realities of daily life. Alongside primary care, clients can access programs and services including mental health support, nutrition, diabetes education, physiotherapy, foot care, health promotion, harm reduction and more.
Together, the care team members consider both clinical needs and the realities of everyday life – including housing, food, language, income, family and community connections.
This whole-person approach helps people access care that is practical, respectful and centred on their wellbeing.
With convenient locations, extended hours and a non-judgmental approach, Black Creek CHC is here to help remove barriers to care. Primary care is also available in French, with selected services also available in Spanish. No OHIP card is required.
To learn more about Black Creek CHC, call 416-249-8000, 416-246-2388, or email info@bcchc.com.
Black Creek Health Centre Recognized by Government of Canada for Innovative Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program
May, 2026
BCCHC Welcomes The World
April 27, 2026
Every day, Black Creek Community Health Centre welcomes people with ancestral roots from around the world.
Some clients have lived in the Black Creek community for many years. Others are newcomers to Canada, refugees or individuals beginning again after a difficult transition. Whatever brings someone through the doors at North York Sheridan Mall or Yorkgate Health Centre, they deserve to feel safe, respected and supported.
At Black Creek CHC, our care team understands that health is shaped by more than medical needs. We help people connect with care, programs, information and community supports in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.
No OHIP card is required. Programs and services are available in French, with selected services also offered in Spanish.
Whether you are new to the neighbourhood or have called it home for years, Black Creek CHC is here for you.
For information, visit bcchc.com, call 416-249-8000, 416-246-2388 or email info@bcchc.com.
Celebrating Care & Community as Cheryl Prescod Retires
As Cheryl Prescod prepares to retire from her role as Executive Director, the Black Creek community is invited to celebrate together, to honour the health centre as a heart and a hub in the community – a place individuals and families have come to cherish over the last 25 years.
Cheryl’s unique approach and visionary leadership has been a difference maker for the health and wellbeing of the community, since the Health Centre has become a hub for care, connection and compassion – far beyond the scope of the programs and services it was originally designed to deliver.
We look forward to celebrating Cheryl’s leadership & legacy with our community. Watch for details, coming soon, regarding a community celebration to be held in June.
Stay tuned…..
Black Creek CHC’s Board of Directors recently invited the community to join them in celebrating 2024’s accomplishments at their Annual General Meeting.
June, 2025
Lacing Up For the Community!
May, 2025
Last time Sagaja (second from left) was at the Jamaican Canadian Association, she was supporting immunization clinics during the pandemic. She, along with a team from Black Creek CHC, recently returned to participate in a walk-a-thon to raise funds for the association’s community activities.
March is Nutrition Month!
March, 2025
As a Community Dietitian, Phoebe is a passionate member of the interdisciplinary team at Black Creek CHC. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2018 and is now an active Preceptor for TMU students.
As one of the dietitians supporting clients to develop healthy lifestyle habits, Phoebe is grateful to know she is playing a part in supporting future fellow dietitians to help families and folks navigate oppressive systems impacting health equity.
Learn more about Black Creek CHC’s healthy lifestyle group programs.
Care We Deserve – In the Community
February, 2025
Since the pandemic, Black Creek CHC’s care team and Community Ambassadors have been connecting residents to care – meeting them where they are at.
In addition to programs and services offered through the health centre’s two locations, this built trust bridges gaps so more residents are getting access to the care they deserve where and when they need it.
The care team worked diligently to get Black Creek CHC’s mobile health unit on the road. Today, the mobile health unit is making its way to neighbourhoods throughout the community, delivering health care services, improving access for clients who may not otherwise receive care.
This outreach is embodied in many of Black Creek’s programs and services, including the FREE Community Health coaching program to prevent Type 2 diabetes. Care team members bring a clinic on wheels to residents in the community for primary health care, diabetes foot care and other services.
To learn more about the FREE Community Health Coach program to prevent Type 2 diabetes, check out the community health coach profiles on the website and register today.
If you are aged 18 to 60 and live, work or go to school in North West Toronto, and if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history of Type 2 diabetes or if you are part of a high risk group, you are eligible to register with a community health coach!
Making HERStory!
February, 2025
Black Creek CHC’s own Nurse Practitioner, Joy Brown made HERstory Saturday February 22nd debuting as the first Black female to lead the orchestra for Disney’s The Lion King production at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto.
Aside from being an outstanding and compassionate member of Black Creek CHC’s care team, Joy is also a talented pianist and musician.
Congratulations, Joy. Bravo!! Bravo!!
Flu Shots & COVID Boosters
September, 2024
Even though the weather has been mild later than usual this season, it’s important to remember to get your annual flu shot.
Vaccine preventable diseases, including COVID-19 and influenza are still spreading globally. Vaccines help build and strengthen our immune system, protecting us against diseases.
Wheels to Wellness
August, 2024
It became obvious during the pandemic that clients were responding to Black Creek CHC’s community outreach.
During and since the pandemic, the care team continued looking for opportunities and spaces to bring the health care team together with clients.
Throughout the summer of 2023, Black Creek CHC asked the community where, when and how they preferred to connect with the care team.
You spoke up – we are listening. The solution is the launch of the Wheels to Wellness Mobile Health Van. Watch for the unit at festivals, fairs, and markets throughout the community.
AGM
June, 2024
For more than 35 years, Black Creek Community Health Centre has been offering programs and services in a culturally appropriate way to the residents of Black Creek.
Each year, as part of the health centre’s accountability to the community, the Board of Directors holds an Annual General Meeting, inviting the community to celebrate the year’s accomplishments.
This year’s Annual General Meeting, held at the Jamaican Canadian Association, hosted a full house of engaged community members who come together in appreciation of the work Black Creek Community Health Centre does to promote health and prevent disease in the community
Eat Healthy – Eat Local
May, 2024
Eating fresh produce is always beneficial, but if you can also eat locally, all the better. Luckily, Black Creek Community Farm is right in the neighbourhood.
The Black Creek Community Farm team is passionate about food and environmental justice.
You can pick up fresh picked fruits and vegetables at the on-site farm stand Thursdays 2 – 7 PM, from June to November, and through July and August, Saturdays Noon to 2 PM.
Need inspiration for healthy recipes? Check out the group programs monthly calendar for healthy eating inspiration.
Your Feedback Matters!
April, 2024
At Black Creek CHC, your care team is listening. The best way to learn about your client experience is to learn from your feedback. Please take the time to fill out a brief, anonymous survey – to ensure you are accessing the care you deserve.
The survey is available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Hungarian. If you prefer a printed version of the survey, please ask a member of the reception team at the North York Sheridan or Yorkgate location?
Vaccine-preventable Disease
April, 2024
Is your family’s immunization up to date? If you are unsure of the timing or recommended vaccinations, you can check Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule.
If you need help with a letter from school regarding your child’s immunization status, or to confirming your immunization status, contact 416-249-8000.
If your school-age child requires immunization, Toronto Public Health offers clinics for students at Yorkgate Mall Clinic, 1 Yorkgate Blvd, Suite 202. No OHIP card required.
For recommended vaccination, available clinic dates and times, visit tphbookings.ca.
Register as a client to receive care at Black Creek CHC
March, 2024
People who live or work in Black Creek CHC’s catchment area (bounded by Wilson to Steeles, Humber River to Jane Street) are eligible to receive care from the care team and access services at the centre. No OHIP card or referral required.
If you have a primary care provider (Nurse Practitioner or Family Doctor) in the area, you need a referral to access services at the health centre. Your provider can complete a PACT (People Accessing Care Teams) referral form.
If you do not live or work in the health centre’s catchment area, the care team will connect you to the community health centre located near where you live. For more information, call 416-249-8000 or email info@bcchc.com.
Black Creek Community Health
Centre Achieves Full Four-Year Accreditation
March, 2024
People who live or work in Black Creek CHC’s catchment area (bounded by Wilson to Steeles, Humber River to Jane Street) are eligible to receive care from the care team and access services at the centre. No OHIP card or referral required.
If you have a primary care provider (Nurse Practitioner or Family Doctor) in the area, you need a referral to access services at the health centre. Your provider can complete a PACT (People Accessing Care Teams) referral form.
If you do not live or work in the health centre’s catchment area, the care team will connect you to the community health centre located near where you live. For more information, call 416-249-8000 or email info@bcchc.com.
Community Health Ambassadors:
Care We Deserve
At Black Creek CHC, Community Health Ambassadors are an instrumental part of the centre’s outreach.
Meet Emma! She is a health ambassador whose work connects clients to care at Black Creek Community Health Centre.
34th Annual General Meeting
The Board of Directors invited members of the community to attend the 34th Annual General Meeting & Community Celebration on Thursday June 22, 2023 at San Romanoway.
Hundreds gathered in the space for fun, food, and information, including “Amplifying Our Voices: Connecting Community to Research”, a presentation about community-based research, followed by the Board’s Annual General Meeting in recognition of the fiscal year’s achievements.