The Black Health and Social Services Hub Peel is a testament to the power of partnership and shared vision

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement of the new location of the Black Health and Social Services Hub Peel (BHHS Hub) was made on Tuesday, March 18^th, 2025. This is good news for the: Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities located in: Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. The new location will be at 19 Rutherford Rd. South. Unit 2 in Brampton. It is near the intersection of Queen St. West and Rutherford Rd. The promotional material describes BHSS Hub as an Afrocentric culturally affirming hub offering primary health care, social services and mental health and addictions support to the: Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities in the Peel region.

This event was more than a celebration. It was an opportunity to reflect on the journey towards breaking systemic walls and barriers for our communities and look ahead to building a new space that is welcoming and supportive as we move forward. Your input is essential as we create a vibrant community hub for: Black, African and Caribbean communities in Peel.

The press release describes the new location as being, “Centrally located along major transit corridors, the 16,000-square foot site will be transformed into a welcoming space where individuals and families can: access health care, essential resources, support and opportunities when the hub opens its door later this year.”

“We are extremely happy to see how our vision is unfolding.”

Shane Joseph, Chief Executive Officer of Roots Community Services states, “We are extremely happy to see how our vision is unfolding – a vision to create a place where: Black, African and Caribbean communities can access seamless, integrated services that meet their diverse and complex needs in a culturally sensitive manner. The community’s input will be absolutely crucial in co-designing what will be a space where they feel they belong and seen as a person of worth.”

Keddone Dias, Executive Director of LAMP Community Health Centre states, “Seeing this new space is a monumental step forward in our mission to provide integrated, culturally responsive care. By bringing together health and social services under one roof, we are better equipped to address the holistic needs of the: Black, African, and Caribbean communities in Peel. This milestone exemplifies our commitment to fostering a community where everyone has access to comprehensive support and care.”

David Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin states, “We are profoundly grateful for the collaboration that has led to establishing this dedicated space. It is a testament to the power of partnership and shared vision. By working together, we can create a hub that not only offers essential services, but also strengthens bonds within the community, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need to thrive.”

The fundamental purpose behind the establishment of the BHSS-Hub was to address systemic barriers and inequities in healthcare and social services access by offering a range of Afrocentric programs and activities in primary care, mental health and addictions, and social services. The partners involved in the BHSS- Hub are Roots Community Services, LAMP Community Health Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin.

The services provided include:

Multi-Disciplinary Team

This is a collaborative group of professionals from various disciplines, who work together to deliver services that address an individual’s wellbeing while ensuring that approaches to care are informed by clients.

Addictions Support

The addictions worker conducts comprehensive assessments, provides client centered stagewise brief interventions and case management using a harm reduction model.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

The ACT Team provides initial and ongoing assessments; holistic integrated case management support including employment and housing assistance; family support and education; addiction services; and other services critical to an individual’s recovery journey.

Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI)

This program provides a multi-disciplinary team-based approach to care to individuals ages 14-35 who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. In addition, it provides support in achieving recovery goals, reintegration to the community and school, and developing healthy coping strategies.

Attendees were provided opportunities to:

• Tour the space
• Share ideas for the future look and feel of the space
• Connect with others who are passionate about building a stronger, healthier community