Care Days Enhance Health Access for Dufferin County Residents

The Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team is launching a series of Care Days to improve access to health and social services for residents of Dufferin County and Caledon until June 2026. During a meeting on February 26, 2026, Dave Pearson, the executive director of the health team, outlined the initiative’s objectives, which aim to bring healthcare closer to home for community members.

Care Days are designed as local opportunities for residents to receive essential health services, including consultations with physicians and nurse practitioners. Pearson noted that there has been significant public interest in these events, stating, “As we’ve seen, there’s been a lot more uptake and reception from the public.” This growing engagement has attracted attention not only from local communities but also from other health teams and provincial authorities.

Customizable Health Services Address Community Needs

The Care Days initiative allows for the customization of services to meet specific health needs, such as cancer screening, chronic disease support, and diabetes management. Pearson highlighted the importance of addressing broader community concerns, including food insecurity, which has been identified as a significant issue in the county. He emphasized the urgency of providing basic health services, particularly for individuals who have been without a physician for several years. “We can do all of those things now,” he stated.

To enhance communication and outreach, the team is finalizing a dedicated communications package and a website aimed at facilitating public registration for Care Days. “This is the right care at the right time, the right place,” Pearson explained. The website will enable individuals without a family physician or a team of healthcare providers to express their interest in accessing care locally. “We would like to know about you,” he added, inviting community members to connect with the health team.

Building Trust with the Community

Recognizing that many residents may be more familiar with community facilities than healthcare centers, Pearson indicated a willingness to host Care Days in accessible locations such as libraries. He encouraged councillors to reach out if they identified specific areas of care that could benefit from these events or if they had suggestions for suitable venues. “Please let us know, and we can work with you to plan a Care Day event,” he urged.

During the meeting, Councillor Fred Nix, who also serves as the deputy mayor of Mono, inquired about the participation rates for Care Days. Pearson reported that attendance has varied, with some events attracting as few as three participants, while others have drawn crowds of 30 to 40 or more. While acknowledging that these numbers may seem low, Pearson stressed that the initiative is still in its formative stages.

He noted that traditionally, healthcare providers have not actively sought out communities, expecting individuals to come to them instead. “It’s changing the relationship, and that takes time, it takes trust, and it takes a level of commitment,” Pearson concluded.