Virtual Group: Get moving, for better balance!
Did you know that the CSCE has been offering online exercise groups since the pandemic first started? The virtual groups for people 55 and over “Get moving, for better balance!” are designed to keep you active, improve your strength and balance, and to help you socialize in the comfort of your own home.
Since October 2020, this free program has allowed our health promoters to offer more than 225 sessions in 17 weekly groups of about 10 participants each.
Participants have reported high satisfaction from their virtual experience. In addition, the fact that the sessions are led by a team of two facilitators ensures that they are always well supervised while performing their movements.
“I enjoy the continuity of the exercise program and I really like the camaraderie of our meetings. It’s a good alternative in today’s environment. I like the format and I think it’s very safe. Kudos and thanks to the leaders!” [translation]—From a participant in the virtual exercise group
It should be noted that these groups help break isolation and improve the physical condition of participants, in addition to helping to prevent falls and improve health.
Consult the CSCE web calendar to learn more about our exercise groups.
CSCE Annual Report 2020-2021
“I would like to thank the CSCE for the excellent service I received during the pandemic. I feel privileged to be a client of the CSCE. Telehealth and virtual groups are a real breakthrough not only for the CSCE but also for us as clients, who are fortunate to benefit from these services. Kudos!” [translation]
In the context of a pandemic, when we must limit physical contact, the CSCE is helping to reduce the risk of transmission by developing safe and effective tools to continue offering quality care and services.
Over the past year, the CSCE has made a technological shift and turned to virtual technology. The CSCE now hosts several online groups, including exercise courses and mental health groups.
Moreover, appointments for medical, nutritional and mental health services can now be made safely using a cell phone, tablet or computer. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if this is the right solution for you.
New – Appointment Reminders by Email, Text Message (SMS) or Voice
The Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE) now offers automated appointment reminders via email, SMS or voice.
This service improves office efficiency, reduces missed appointments and increases scheduling capacity for clients who require timely health care services.
Naturally, clients may choose to unsubscribe from this service at any time.
To get a glimpse of this new service, watch the following video:
https://youtu.be/JHy83c8KylM
CSCE Annual Report 2020-2021
The CSCE is proud to have participated in the October 2020 and March 2021 Emergency Food Basket Distribution Campaign. This initiative, organized by the Social Development Council of Cornwall and Area, United Way SDG and members of the Regional Emergency Response Council, allowed many individuals, couples and families in Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry and Cornwall to receive an emergency food basket during these difficult times.
In short, the initiative:
- involved over 40 organizations and community partners;
- included more than 150 volunteers assigned to packing and/or delivery;
- allowed for 1,550 baskets to be distributed in October 2020;
- allowed for 1,656 baskets to be distributed in March 2021.
Some pictures of the event:
CSCE Annual Report 2020-2021
Diabetes Education Program
As a result of the pandemic, the year 2020-21 has brought significant changes to the Diabetes Education Program (DEP). Despite the circumstances, when the Ontario government first announced the lockdown, DEP educators went to work to continue to provide diabetes education and management services.
Such a program is essential for diabetic and pre-diabetic clients. It provides comprehensive education on the use of insulin, treatment options, diabetes self-management and prevention of complications, and assists physicians and nurse practitioners in developing a treatment plan tailored to the client’s reality, needs and blood work.
An Essential Service for Diabetic and Pre-Diabetic Clients
Unfortunately, diabetes does not take a break, no matter what the context. Knowing also that stress can have a significant impact on diabetes, one can only imagine the impact of interrupting services during the pandemic. There is no question that this program needed to be maintained.
The DEP team members rallied and changed their working methods to offer services by phone or video conference. This virtual approach has the advantage of ensuring everyone’s protection, both clients, who can thus avail themselves of services in the safety of their own homes, and educators. Of course, educators continue to offer face-to-face appointments when necessary, while ensuring that they wear appropriate protective gear.
Over the past year, we have seen the effectiveness of this approach. Thanks to the sustained efforts of the DEP team, the safety of our clients and staff is maintained, transmission of COVID-19 can be prevented and access to services is facilitated, which is greatly appreciated by the community. This approach will likely continue well beyond the pandemic.
Learn more about the Diabetes Education Program
CSCE Annual Report 2020-2021
The CSCE is proud to be able to count on its volunteers and would like to sincerely thank each of them. Initiatives like exercise groups, immunization clinics, the Green Food Box and Chronic Conditions Self Management workshops, just to name a few, would not exist without the precious support of our volunteers. Clients and staff of the CSCE are most grateful for their talents, time and energy. Thank you for all your help!
We encourage you to apply to become a volunteer! Click here for more information.
“Senior Fitness Instructor”
In particular, we would like to congratulate a group of eight volunteers who have worked incredibly hard over the past few months to become certified as Senior Fitness Instructors.
With this certification, they will be able to lead in-person exercise groups for clients aged 55 and over at various locations throughout our territory.
We look forward to when we can safely gather again and see these amazing volunteers in action!
CSCE Annual Report 2020-2021
Despite changes in clinical appointment scheduling since the beginning of the pandemic, CSCE dietitians are continuing to provide one-on-one appointments with clients, answering their questions and helping them make lifestyle changes and improve their health. While they are continuing to offer appointments by phone and in person as needed, as the months go by, they are finding that their clients are becoming more and more comfortable with virtual delivery. This allows for a secure conversation with clients and involves fewer steps than in the past. Over time, a relationship of trust develops, and the dietitian accompanies and supports the client in their desire to make lifestyle changes.
Groups have also grown over the past year, and as a result of virtual delivery, information workshops on the introduction of solids and toddler nutrition are currently being offered in cooperation with the Rockland Family Centre. Le plaisir de manger [available in French], a culinary workshop for young children, is now also available online. In addition, the nutrition program team continues to adapt and respond to the needs of the community by developing ad hoc presentations for various audiences.
Understanding Why We Eat With the “Craving Change” Program
The “Craving Change” certified program is newly offered online by two CSCE dietitians. Its objective is to help understand “why we eat” and improve our relationship with food. As this pilot project was successful, other sessions are now being developed and will eventually be offered at all CSCE sites.
Professional Dietitians: A Trusted Source for Nutritional Information
Each month, dietitians take turns writing an article for the online magazine Vivre + [available in French] by the Fédération des aînés et des retraités francophones de l’Ontario (FARFO). The CSCE is very proud of this partnership, which highlights various themes related to nutrition.
Because CSCE dietitians operate in a field that is constantly evolving, they have tricks of their own and share reliable information based on scientific data with the community. It should be noted that no referral is required and that you do not need to be a client of the CSCE to refer to the services of a dietitian.
Feel free to contact the CSCE nearest you to book an appointment! Click here for more information.
CSCE Annual Report 2020-2021
On December 2nd, the employees at the Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE) held their annual auction via an online platform. This fundraising event, which is important to our clients especially during these difficult times, raised a whopping $14,415 helping more than 170 families.
For the past 15 years now, the employees at the CSCE have held this annual auction to raise funds for clients who face financial difficulties. The money raised is used to buy gift cards, which are distributed to many people and families residing within our communities. We are so pleased that this initiative can bring some solace to those in need during the holidays throughout the counties of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott and Russell.
Congratulations and thank you to all those who made this event a huge success!
Every One Matters.
Pictures of the event
CSCE Annual Report 2020-2021
November 9, 2020 – The Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE) in Embrun is pleased to announce its partnership with Dr. Kheïra Jolin-Dahel, Family Physician specializing in obstetrics that also offers maternal care and performs deliveries at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital. She will provide bilingual services at the CSCE in Embrun (649 Notre-Dame Street).
Originally from Montreal, Dr. Jolin-Dahel is passionate about women’s health. She graduated in Medicine from the University of Ottawa in 2013. Starting November 19, 2020, she will provide prenatal care and pregnancy follow-ups every Thursday at the CSCE in Embrun.
Women interested in receiving these services are invited to call 613 443-3888.
Both medical and self-referrals are accepted.
Information:
Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie, Embrun
613 443-3888
The CSCE is accepting quotes to lease seven medium capacity colour multifunction copiers and one smaller capacity multifunction copier to replace its existing units. Click here to obtain detailed information about the Request for Proposals.
Enquiries:
All enquiries and clarifying questions regarding this Request for Proposals must be emailed to the following by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2020:
Guy Laflèche
IT Resources Manager
Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie
Email: g.lafleche@cscestrie.on.ca
Expression of Interest:
Respondents must submit their proposals to the following via mail or email, no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020:
Marc Bisson
Executive Director
Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie
841 Sydney Street, Unit 6
Cornwall ON K6H 3J7
Email: m.bisson@cscestrie.on.ca
Website: www.cscestrie.on.ca
The Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE) is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive primary health care, mental health care and community health care services to the francophone population of Eastern Ontario. Its head office is located in Cornwall, with satellite offices in Alexandria, Bourget, Crysler, Embrun and Limoges.
Community Health and Wellbeing Week celebrates work to support each other during COVID-19 while we plan a recovery that works for everyone
From October 5 to 11, the Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE) will celebrate our community’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic response to ensure no one is left behind. This year more than ever, we’re inviting everyone in Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott and Russell to join us in recognizing the everyday heroes who’ve stepped up to meet the new challenges brought by the coronavirus while also addressing longstanding inequities.
Power in Community: A Healthy Recovery That Works For Everyone
The week is an important opportunity for our staff, volunteers, and community members to recognize and celebrate each other’s work, and also the work and tenacity of other community-based organizations, grassroots teams, local leaders and decision-makers. It’s also a time to look ahead.
“We’ve seen so many people and organizations step up here in Eastern Ontario to ensure people still have access to vital services and supports during the pandemic,” says Marc Bisson, CSCE Executive Director. “Here at the CSCE, our staff and volunteers are striving every day to learn about new and increased needs in our community, and to work hand-in-hand with local partners during recovery to address barriers and inequities in our health and social systems made more glaring by COVID-19.”
Some of the work at CSCE over the last few months includes: social check-in calls, delivery of food and other supplies, starting virtual programs, advocating for equity, etc. But staff and leaders at CSCE also know that the work of recovery is just beginning.
“As we all know, the pandemic is not over yet, and many communities continue to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis,” says Marc Bisson. “At the same time, the post-pandemic recovery is becoming part of the conversation. As we look into the future, we need to re-imagine what a truly healthy recovery looks like and redesign a health system that works for everyone. That will mean building on trusted relationships; investing in community and social services to build a more integrated health and wellbeing system rooted in health equity; and leveraging the strengths of community voices and leadership.”
Community Health and Wellbeing Week is coordinated by the Alliance for Healthier Communities of which the Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie (CSCE) is a member. The Alliance represents Community Health Centres, Aboriginal Health Access Centres, Community Family Health Teams and Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics across Ontario.
Learn more about Community Health and Wellbeing Week