Web-based Workshop

Atira is offering, in partnership with Kwantlen University College and Fraser Health, a web-based workshop entitled 'Advancing Health-Care Practice: Exploring the links between woman abuse, substance use, and pregnancy/early parenting' as featured in the current issue of the BC Institute Against Family Violence newsletter. Please click here for the Advancing Health Care Workshop.

Community Health Centre Proposal, April 2005

Fraser Health plans to develop two Community Health Centres (CHC) by March 2006, as part of its Primary Health Care Renewal Initiatives and has been exploring the possibility of developing a CHC in North Surrey. As a result, a Whalley Community Health Centre Advisory Committee comprised of many local community organizations and agencies was developed and has been investigating this concept, and has helped shape a vision for this health care facility.

In the meantime, Atira Women's Resource Society has been working with Fraser Health representatives in Fraser South on a partnership proposal for the Maxxine Wright Place Project, to be located in Surrey. This will initially be a primary healthcare resource for high risk pregnant and early parenting women in Surrey. It will serve women who may put their unborn babies or young children at risk because of their personal struggles with substance use, mental health diagnoses, experiences of violence and abuse, and reluctance to seek medical attention or support services. At this centre they will have access to nurses, physicians, social workers, nutritionists and mental health and addictions counsellors.

Atira has purchased property and a building in North/Central Surrey just off King George Highway. Renovations are now underway and July 1st is the target date for occupancy for the first phase of this facility, which will include a medical clinic. Future plans include an emergency day care and 36 units of housing for women and children under the age of six. Construction of a new building at this site will begin in the near future, with an estimated 12 to 18 month completion target.

Fraser Health places great value on the contributions of the members of the Whalley Community Health Centre Advisory Committee, and is very appreciative of the tremendous commitment of time and efforts made by these individuals. After careful deliberation, Fraser Health has decided to join these two projects, CHC development and the Maxxine Wright Place Project, together into a Community Health Centre.