A New Way to Stay Connected
We’re excited to introduce The Pulse, the new Mid-West Toronto Ontario Health Team (MWT-OHT) quarterly newsletter, a new way to stay connected, informed, and engaged with the work happening across our partnership.
We proudly boast a partnership of nearly 50 health, community and social service providers, 300 primary care providers and many Patient and Caregiver Partners. Together, as the Mid-West Toronto Ontario Health Team, we are committed to making healthcare more accessible and improve the outcomes of the nearly 600,000 people we collectively serve.
Through this newsletter, we’ll share updates on key projects, highlight the incredible work being done by partners, and provide opportunities to get involved. Many of you are already driving meaningful change - whether by advancing health equity, improving transitions of care, or strengthening mental health supports - and we want to celebrate those efforts.
We hope this newsletter sparks new ideas, strengthens connections, and helps identify areas where we can work together to make an even greater impact.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to continuing this work together.
Adil Khalfan
Chair
MWT-OHT
Cliff Ledwos
Vice-Chair
MWT-OHT
Yasmin Sheikhan
Vice-Chair
MWT-OHT
Bill Sinclair
Vice-Chair
MWT-OHT
Supporting Community Care Through Change
The recent provincial government decision to close four local Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) sites has been deeply felt across our community. Two of those sites are in our Mid-West Toronto OHT, operated by Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre (PQWCHC) and The Neighbourhood Group (TNG). These sites—which offered supervised consumption services—have long provided life-saving support for people who use drugs. They created trusted, low-barrier access to care, safety, and connection.
This change has been challenging for clients, and the direction in policy concerning for service providers.
A Local Response: The HART Hub
In response, closing sites were invited by the province to transition to a new treatment and recovery model - Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub. Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre (PQWCHC) took the lead in the development of a new HART Hub in Mid-West Toronto to support clients displaced by the closing sites. Introduced by the province, the HART Hub model brings together health, mental health, addiction, and social services in one place to improve access and coordination.
Building on a foundation of trust and shared values, Mid-West Toronto OHT partners collaborated quickly with PQWCHC to create a transition plan that meaningfully draws on the expertise and experience of providing responsive, dignified and non-judgemental care to clients with mental health and substance use care needs.
PQWCHC, as lead for the Hub has been approved in principle, and is now working toward a multi-year operating agreement.
While the HART Hub does not include supervised consumption services, it is being built in partnership with many local organizations to deliver integrated, trauma-informed care within the scope of what is currently permitted.
Community Partners at Work
The HART Hub is supported by a wide network of MWT-OHT partners who bring deep experience in serving people facing substance use, homelessness, and mental health challenges. These include:
PQWCHC, CAMH, St. Michael’s Homes, Jean Tweed Centre, Breakaway,The Neighbourhood Group (TNG), Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC), and West Neighbourhood House,Unity Health, UHN, and LOFT Community Services,
These partners continue to work together to ensure that care remains accessible, coordinated, and rooted in community.
Ongoing Overdose Prevention Services
Although several CTS sites have closed, The Neighbourhood Group Community Services (TNG) continues to operate its Overdose Prevention Site in Toronto’s West End. A recent court injunction has allowed the site to remain open while legal proceedings are underway, helping maintain a critical connection to care for people who use drugs in the region.
PQWCHC’s supervised consumption treatment site in the Parkdale neighborhood remains open, and both sites continue to play an invaluable role in enabling access to this live saving service.
Sector-Wide Coordination
Across Mid-West Toronto, partners are also aligning on broader priorities. Through the All Partner Table, organizations are coordinating training for staff on harm reduction and naloxone use, building a shared resource database, expanding outreach to encampments, and exploring new community-facing programming. Efforts are also underway to support housing coordination and shared advocacy.
These actions reflect the collective strength of our network—working across roles and sectors to meet people’s needs with care and connection.
Looking Ahead
As the landscape continues to shift, partners remain focused on what matters most: making sure care is accessible, responsive, and rooted in the realities of the people we serve.
Our Shared Priorities for 2025/26: Driving Change Together
As we enter the new fiscal year, we’re excited to continue improving healthcare for our community. Our focus will be on making care more accessible, connected, and effective. The FY25/26 business plan will guide us in expanding support and building a stronger foundation for the future.
Here’s a look at the key areas driving our work ahead:
Programs: Expanding Care and Support
In the year ahead, we’ll continue building on programs that help people transition from hospitals to home care, manage chronic conditions like heart failure and diabetes, and support those struggling with mental health and substance use challenges.
What’s happening:
We're working on smoother transitions from hospital to home for patients who no longer need hospital care.
We're expanding care pathways for conditions like heart failure, diabetes, and mental health challenges, making sure that people have continuous support.
We’re enhancing health promotion, education, and preventative screening through the Open Door program to help people stay on top of their health.
Pathways: Connecting People to the Right Services
The focus here is on improving how people access care and connect to the right health services. Whether it’s making sure everyone has a family doctor, improving how we navigate patients to services, or advancing digital tools for easier access, we are committed to making healthcare simpler and more connected.
What’s happening:
We’re working on helping people connect with the right care providers, including improving how we track patients waiting for a family doctor or other healthcare needs.
We’re improving digital systems, like e-referrals, to make it easier for patients to access care remotely.
Enablers: Building the Foundation for Success
Behind the scenes, we’re focusing on the structures that make these services work smoothly. This includes strengthening our governance, enhancing communication across partners, and making sure we have the right tools and resources in place to support the work being done.
What’s happening:
We’re expanding our network and improving how we collaborate with our partners.
We’ll also be refining our communication strategies to ensure everyone stays informed and engaged.
Get Involved
We are excited about the direction we’re heading in and would love for you to be a part of this journey. If you’re interested in any of these initiatives or want to learn more about how you can contribute, please feel free to reach out by replying to this email.
Training Opportunities on Harm Reduction and Homelessness
As a follow-up to discussions at our last All-Partner Meeting—where representatives from each organization in the Mid-West Toronto Ontario Health Team (MWT-OHT) came together to share ideas and priorities—we’re highlighting training opportunities to support staff and organizations working with people experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges. These trainings focus on harm reduction, overdose prevention, and frontline engagement strategies.
If your organization is interested in setting up a session, please reach out to the listed contacts directly.
St. Michael’s Homes
Contact: Robin Griller at St. Michael’s Homes, robin@stmichaelshomes.org
Overdose Prevention & Naloxone Training (for staff and service users)
Intended for staff and service users
Covers naloxone administration and overdose response
In-person preferred (virtual possible, but does not certify kit distribution)
Can train individual staff and clients at other agencies' sites by arrangement
Fundamentals of Working with People Who Use Substances (for frontline staff)
Targeted at frontline staff working with individuals with Substance Use Disorders
Full-day, in-person session. Requires laptops/screens and printed materials.
Must be arranged well in advance, comes with a cost
Limited availability—while the program is generally offered every second month, demand from other partners may reduce availability
Parkdale Queen West CHC
Contact: Britney Beaton at Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre, BBeaton@pqwchc.ca
Naloxone & Harm Reduction Training
Available for all staff and clients
Focuses on naloxone use and harm reduction strategies
Overdose Response Oxygen Training
Training for staff and service users on the proper use of oxygen in overdose situations
Sharps Pickup & Disposal
Training on how to safely handle and dispose of sharps (e.g., needles) in community settings
Designed for frontline staff and community workers who may encounter sharps in their work
CAMH
Contact: Asha Maharaj at CAMH, asha.maharaj@camh.ca
Opioid Overdose (Naloxone) Virtual Reality Training
Available as a free desktop version
Offers immersive experience on overdose response and naloxone administration
Mental Health 101 Training
Free, self-paced content available on the CAMH website
Aims to provide foundational knowledge of mental health issues and treatment
Understanding Stigma Course
Freely available
Focuses on recognizing and addressing stigma in healthcare and community settings
Trauma-Informed De-Escalation Education for Safety and Self-Protection (TIDES)
Access to this program comes with a cost
Discussions are ongoing with Ontario Health regarding potential funding for agencies to access this program
Global Learning Academy for Mental Health (GLAMH) (Launching in June)
A new platform offering micro-learning opportunities related to mental health
Spotlight on Patient Partnership with Yasmin Sheikhan
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role MWT-OHT?
I’m Yasmin Sheikhan and I am the current Patient Vice Chair and Chair of our Patient and Caregiver Advisory Council. I’ve served on the Executive Advisory Committee for the past 4 years, amongst other committees such as the Selection Committee and Population Health Data Analytics Taskforce. During my time as a patient partner on our OHT, I also completed a PhD in Health Systems Research at the University of Toronto, bringing a dual perspective to my role.
How does the OHT currently ensure the voices of people with lived experience are heard, valued and shape its work?
Not just by actively listening to our concerns, but by implementing and advocating for change.
When I voiced my concerns, they are always heard and acted on. The partners genuinely want us in the room and want our input to influence the work. I saw this with how we created the Patient Vice Chair role and the PCAC, amongst many other changes.
Having patients and caregivers at the highest level of governance also ensured unity within the patient and cargeiver voice and truly integrated our voices into OHT decision-making.
Why was the Patient & Caregiver Advisory Council formed?
As patient and caregiver partners, we saw firsthand the value of bringing the lived experience perspective to the table. However, we recognized that in order to truly amplify our voice and create change, we needed a collective. We wanted a group that is independent and centered around our experiences. It was a way to democratize the leadership space.
In the past, patient and family advisors were working in silos within individual working groups, which was impactful. However, in order to break down silos and foster collaboration, it was important for us to create the PCAC — a group that brought together our diverse perspectives across projects to amplify impact.
Why is it important for healthcare providers and organizations to engage directly with patients and caregivers in decision-making?
Because it is a way of ensuring that our strategies are reflective of those we serve. We shouldn’t only be heard, but act as a guiding force in organizational decision-making.
What inspired you to get involved in patient and caregiver advocacy?
My story in healthcare started out as a patient. Early on in my interactions with the health system, I felt powerless and angry at the system every time I was dismissed, stereotyped, and excluded from my own care. Turning that frustration into advocacy gave that experience meaning. When I see change, it’s reassuring that power is going in the right direction — because healthcare should be co-led by patients and caregivers.
What advice would you give to healthcare providers who may be unsure about how to engage patient and caregiver advisors in a meaningful way?
Start with empathy and humility. Assume there’s something you don’t yet understand about lived experience. Not impose power dynamics we see in clinical settings — we have to be treated as equals. And to also reflect on the value engagement has to both sides, especially as inauthentic engagement can damage trust.
Can you share an example of a time when patient and caregiver input made a meaningful impact on a project or decision?
The whole creation of our new governance structure was influenced by patient and caregiver input. Mike, Don, and I raised how we wanted to see patient and caregivers represented at the highest level of leadership, which led to us revamping our governance structure and creating a role for a patient vice chair (and the creation of the PCAC).
What’s one simple step healthcare providers can take to make their practice or organization more patient- and caregiver-inclusive?
Give us a real seat at the decision-making table. When decision-making is influenced by patients and caregivers, then the practices and organizations will ultimately be a safer space for us.
Partner Spotlight: Mid-West Toronto Family Practice Network
The Mid-West Toronto Family Practice Network (FPN) plays a vital role in strengthening the voice of primary care across the region. Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic and officially incorporated in 2022, the FPN advocates for family physicians and nurse practitioners, working to reduce barriers and improve access to care for patients.
In this interview, co-chairs Dr. Michelle Naimer and Dr. Faye Goldman share how the FPN is growing its membership, advancing patient attachment efforts, and partnering with the MWT-OHT to support a stronger, more coordinated primary care system.
Dr. Faye Goldman
Dr. Michelle Naimer
Can you introduce us to the Family Practice Network (FPN) and its role in the Mid-West Toronto OHT?
The Mid-West Toronto Family Practice Network formed first during the COVID pandemic, to help family physicians in the community get PPE equipment and work with the MWT-OHT to vaccinate vulnerable patients. The MWT FPN officially incorporated (Feb 2022) as a Non Profit Corporation, and its goal is to be the representative voice of primary care in the region to address important regional challenges, such as lack of access to primary care for patients, insufficient team based care for community family physicians, and the administrative burdens that practitioners face. By working closely with the MWT-OHT, our goal is to enhance patient care , ensure that individuals have access to the services they need in the community, and support our members in providing excellent care.
How does FPN engage with family practitioners in the region, and what are some of the key challenges you’re working to address?
Over the past few years, the MWT FPN has focused on strengthening our connections with family physicians and nurse practitioners in the region. We provide various opportunities for professional development, including educational events, networking opportunities, and access to valuable tools, resources, and funding that support high-quality care delivery. Regular communication through outreach and newsletters keeps members informed and engaged.
Currently, we are undergoing a strategic planning process, engaging with our members and collaborating with our Board of Directors to develop a three-year plan. Additionally, we are working on expanding our membership by identifying all practices in the region. This will allow us to collaborate with the OHT to address service gaps and better allocate resources for improved regional planning.
Could you talk about your Attachment Strategy work? What does it entail and how does it benefit patients and healthcare providers?
The MWT-FPN has been working closely with the MWT-OHT to apply for and access funds the Ontario government is investing to support primary care teams and connect more people to primary care by 2029. The Attachment Strategy within the MWT-OHT is a critical initiative aimed at ensuring every resident in the region has access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The Attachment Working Group has been focusing on developing innovative solutions to improve patient attachment. A major challenge in the current system is the difficulty family practices face in attaching new patients, due to both clinical and administrative barriers.
To address this, we piloted a new role called “patient concierge” or “patient intake coordinator,” designed to alleviate the administrative and clinical burden of onboarding new patients. In this pilot, Access Alliance CHC identified individuals without primary care providers through their Open Door Program, and the patient intake coordinators supported the onboarding process by gathering health histories, collecting health records, and updating family practices' health records.
The success of this pilot laid the foundation for a funding request to Ontario Health, with the aim of securing ongoing funding for this role in the region. Additionally, the MWT FPN is developing a new physician database to track available family practitioners and their capacity to take on new patients. This database will significantly improve communication and coordination within the network, supporting the attachment process and ensuring better patient care. Preventing physician burnout and reducing "de-attachment" from practices is also a key focus, as it’s essential for maintaining patient-provider relationships in the long term.
How can other partners in the MWT-OHT collaborate with the FPN to improve the primary care landscape in the region?
The MWT-OHT has been an invaluable partner in supporting the primary care landscape in our region. The Secretariat plays a key role in bringing together organizations to plan around specific workstreams, and the strong relationships developed among OHT members have been instrumental in creating a unified approach to addressing healthcare challenges. By working collaboratively, we have been able to respond effectively to funding opportunities and develop comprehensive proposals that meet the healthcare needs of our community. Continued collaboration will be vital in shaping the future of primary care in Mid-West Toronto.
Help Shape Case Management Redesign
The Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Table at Mid-West Toronto OHT is seeking a patient or caregiver representative to join a short-term working group focused on improving access to case management services.
The MHSU has identified improving access to case management services as a priority for people experiencing challenges with mental health and substance use. Case managers deliver core services directly in the community that many of the most vulnerable members of the MWT OHT depend on for basic survival and as an entry point to other critical health, mental health and substance use services. Unfortunately, long wait times and gaps in service make it difficult for many to access case management. The MHSU Table hopes to develop some concrete initiatives to reduce barriers to case management as a key effort to improve the health and well-being of the MWT community.
This working group will meet three more times in June and July, and once again in September. If you or someone in your network is interested in contributing lived or caregiving experience to this important work, please contact us at info@midwesttorontooht.ca.
Measles: Important Information for Community Partners
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our communities safe, it’s crucial that we stay informed about measles, especially given the recent global outbreaks. Below is some key information that we ask you to share with your teams:
Vaccination: Your Best Defense
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the best protection against measles. It’s important to ensure that all staff and clients are up-to-date with their vaccinations. In Ontario, the first dose is given at 12 months, and the second dose is administered at 4-6 years of age.What to Look For
Measles usually begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These symptoms are often followed by a distinctive red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downwards. You may also notice small white spots inside the mouth, known as Koplik spots, during the early stages.What to Do if You Suspect Measles
Measles is highly contagious. If you suspect someone may have it, please isolate the individual in a private room with the door closed, and contact your local public health unit immediately. Staff should wear medical masks, and thorough cleaning and disinfecting of affected areas should be conducted as per infection prevention and control (IPAC) guidelines.
For more detailed guidelines and resources, please visit Toronto Public Health. We encourage you to share this information with your teams, and if you have any questions or need further assistance, we’re here to help.