Articles

Get Connected to a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner

Health Care Connect makes it easy to find a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your area.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀
1. Call or register online
2. A care connector (a Health Care Connect nurse) looks for a family doctor or primary care nurse practitioner in your community
3. You are contacted when a match is found

Register today, call 811 (available 24/7) or visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect

Health Care Connect makes it easy to find a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your area.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀
1. Call or register online
2. A care connector (a Health Care Connect nurse) looks for a family doctor or primary care nurse practitioner in your community
3. You are contacted when a match is found

Register today, call 811 (available 24/7) or visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect
2025 Food Insecurity in Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Public Health’s newly released 2025 Cost of Eating in CK infographic reveals an alarming trend: food insecurity is getting worse in Chatham-Kent.
In 2024, they reported that at least 1 in 5 households struggled to afford enough food. In 2025, the latest data shows that the number has risen to almost 1 in 4 households, meaning close to 25% of local families are now unable to buy the food they need.
This increase highlights a growing crisis in our community, driven not by a lack of food, but by a lack of sufficient income.
“Food insecurity in Chatham-Kent isContinue reading
Chatham-Kent Public Health’s newly released 2025 Cost of Eating in CK infographic reveals an alarming trend: food insecurity is getting worse in Chatham-Kent.
In 2024, they reported that at least 1 in 5 households struggled to afford enough food. In 2025, the latest data shows that the number has risen to almost 1 in 4 households, meaning close to 25% of local families are now unable to buy the food they need.
This increase highlights a growing crisis in our community, driven not by a lack of food, but by a lack of sufficient income.
“Food insecurity in Chatham-Kent is driven by inadequate and insecure income, not a lack of food,” says Councillor Carmen McGregor, Chair of the Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council. “When people do not earn enough to cover housing, transportation, and food, they’re forced into impossible choices. Policies that support stable and adequate income, including a basic income guarantee, are critical to reducing food insecurity.”
While community organizations across Chatham-Kent provide important emergency food supports, these services offer only temporary relief. They cannot resolve the underlying issue: too many residents do not have enough income to meet basic needs.
Food insecurity comes with serious health consequences. Adults and children living without consistent access to nutritious food face poorer health outcomes.
“Food insecurity is fundamentally an income issue,” says Dr Shanker Nesathurai, Medical Officer of Health for CK Public Health. “Advancing policies that support stable and adequate income ensures that everyone in Chatham-Kent can live a healthier life.”
What Residents Can Do
CK Public Health encourages community members to take action by:

Learning more about food insecurity and its root causes

Talking openly with friends, family, and colleagues about why food insecurity happens

Advocating for income-based solutions, including a basic income guarantee, to help ensure everyone in CK can afford nutritious food

To learn more about how food insecurity affects households in Chatham-Kent, community members can visit the new CK Public Health Household Food Insecurity Dashboard. This interactive tool breaks down income scenarios and offers a deeper look at the factors driving food insecurity. Access it at www.ckphu.com/food-insecurity.
CTC-CK's Youth Action Team: Things I Wish You Knew
The Children's Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent's Youth Action Team are highlighting something important.

In their latest video, members talk about the things people with disabilities wish others understood— the small things, the big things, and the everyday moments that matter.

Humans are more than their diagnosis.

Inclusion isn’t about pity, it’s about respect.

Accessibility benefits everyone.

Sometimes the hardest part about disability is other people’s attitudes.

Inclusion starts with understanding. Listen. Learn. Include.

Watch the video on the CTC-CK Facebook page.

Learn more about the lived experiences of local youth and young people living with disabilities on the CTC-CK's Continue reading
The Children's Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent's Youth Action Team are highlighting something important.

In their latest video, members talk about the things people with disabilities wish others understood— the small things, the big things, and the everyday moments that matter.

Humans are more than their diagnosis.

Inclusion isn’t about pity, it’s about respect.

Accessibility benefits everyone.

Sometimes the hardest part about disability is other people’s attitudes.

Inclusion starts with understanding. Listen. Learn. Include.

Watch the video on the CTC-CK Facebook page.

Learn more about the lived experiences of local youth and young people living with disabilities on the CTC-CK's Youtube page .
Re-Launch of Our Door is Open to Everyone Window Sign Campaign

CK Pride and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Relaunch “Our Door Is Open to Everyone” Window Sign Campaign
CK Pride, in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, is proud to announce the relaunch of the Our Door is Open to Everyone campaign, a visible community initiative that affirms inclusion, safety, and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and visitors across Chatham-Kent.
Originally launched with cardboard signage, the campaign has been refreshed in 2026 with durable window clings and stickers that reflect CK Pride’s updated name and new logo, making it easier for businesses, organizations, and public spaces to visibly demonstrate their commitment toContinue reading

CK Pride and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Relaunch “Our Door Is Open to Everyone” Window Sign Campaign
CK Pride, in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, is proud to announce the relaunch of the Our Door is Open to Everyone campaign, a visible community initiative that affirms inclusion, safety, and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and visitors across Chatham-Kent.
Originally launched with cardboard signage, the campaign has been refreshed in 2026 with durable window clings and stickers that reflect CK Pride’s updated name and new logo, making it easier for businesses, organizations, and public spaces to visibly demonstrate their commitment to welcoming and affirming environments.
The window clings were designed by Joel Emery and produced locally by CutiePatootieStudios, supporting community-based creatives while ensuring high-quality, long-lasting materials suitable for storefronts, offices, and public-facing spaces. This project is supported by Council Ward Funding, through a partnership between the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Hydro One.
The Our Door Is Open to Everyone window clings signal that a space is one where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are respected and supported. Participating locations are encouraged to reflect this commitment not only through signage, but through everyday practices rooted in dignity, equity, and inclusion.
“Visibility matters,” say the Board of Directors at CK Pride. “In a community as diverse and geographically large as Chatham-Kent, these window clings offer a simple but meaningful way to signal safety, allyship, and care. For many people, especially youth, newcomers, and those navigating rural isolation, seeing that sign can make the difference between entering a space or walking away.”
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent continues to support the campaign as part of its broader commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community safety. The relaunch aligns with ongoing municipal efforts to foster welcoming public spaces and strengthen trust across communities.
Window clings and stickers will be available to local businesses, community organizations, and municipal spaces. Participation in the campaign is voluntary, and CK Pride encourages participants to engage with the campaign thoughtfully and authentically.
Organizations interested in displaying an Our Door Is Open to Everyone window cling can contact info@ckpride.com, or pick one up from Bill's Place, Community Space, 48 Centre St. during drop-in hours. They will also be distributed at Municipal Centers and CK Public Library branches.
CKOHT and Partners Commitment to Action on Anti-Black Racism

Inclusion and representation are essential to building a health care system that reflects and meets the diverse needs of everyone in Chatham-Kent.
In 2021, the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) Diversity and Equity Working Group established the Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team.
For several years, the Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team has heard anecdotal evidence about racism, discrimination, stereotypes, stigma and oppressive behaviours and actions occurring in health care environments in Chatham-Kent.
In 2024, the Action Team asked the community questions to understand their experiences of racism in local health care.
Find out what the Team learned and how CKOHT and PartnersContinue reading
Inclusion and representation are essential to building a health care system that reflects and meets the diverse needs of everyone in Chatham-Kent.
In 2021, the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) Diversity and Equity Working Group established the Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team.
For several years, the Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team has heard anecdotal evidence about racism, discrimination, stereotypes, stigma and oppressive behaviours and actions occurring in health care environments in Chatham-Kent.
In 2024, the Action Team asked the community questions to understand their experiences of racism in local health care.
Find out what the Team learned and how CKOHT and Partners are committing to action on Anti-Black Racism through the video linked above and on the CKOHT website.
Website: Free Food Resources in CK
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services program has created a website with information for people who may need food assistance, including resources like:

food banks

little free pantries

soup kitchens

food voucher programs

drop-in/outreach services.

Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EmergencyFood or scan the QR code above to go to the website.
These services are here to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you're in immediate need or looking for ongoing assistance, there are options available to help you.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services program has created a website with information for people who may need food assistance, including resources like:

food banks

little free pantries

soup kitchens

food voucher programs

drop-in/outreach services.

Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EmergencyFood or scan the QR code above to go to the website.
These services are here to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you're in immediate need or looking for ongoing assistance, there are options available to help you.
Homelessness Response Toolkit

Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K) has designed a Homelessness Response Toolkit for local businesses, organizations, and area residents better understand and engage with local homelessness response efforts. The goal is to provide practical guidance, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate and informed interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness.
The kit includes a quick reference postcard with information on who to call in specific situations, including phone numbers for outreach services, sharps clean-up, shelter, and other essential resources, ensuring that businesses and community members have immediate access to support when needed.
Digital copies can be accessed at www.reachoutck.com/resources.

Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K) has designed a Homelessness Response Toolkit for local businesses, organizations, and area residents better understand and engage with local homelessness response efforts. The goal is to provide practical guidance, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate and informed interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness.
The kit includes a quick reference postcard with information on who to call in specific situations, including phone numbers for outreach services, sharps clean-up, shelter, and other essential resources, ensuring that businesses and community members have immediate access to support when needed.
Digital copies can be accessed at www.reachoutck.com/resources.
Book Club: Unbound

Unbound Book Club.
For people who may feel bound by the lack of accessibility in our works, join to explore new worlds, unique stories and meet new characters through the word of books.
For young adults (18+) who have a disability or are an ally for the disability community.

Books chosen based on availability in both print and audiobook formats.
For more information contact 226-626-6585 or erin.genge@gmail.com

Unbound Book Club.
For people who may feel bound by the lack of accessibility in our works, join to explore new worlds, unique stories and meet new characters through the word of books.
For young adults (18+) who have a disability or are an ally for the disability community.

Books chosen based on availability in both print and audiobook formats.
For more information contact 226-626-6585 or erin.genge@gmail.com
Become a Dementia Friendly Business

The Chatham Alzheimer Society is rolling out a new initiative throughout Chatham-Kent. The program is called “dementia friendly communities” and the goal of the program is to give Chatham Kent businesses the skills and knowledge to better serve our dementia community. After a 1-hour education session with our education manager, your business can become certified as a dementia friendly supporter. With this designation you will receive a special decal for your display and advertising on the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent’s website and socials. You can learn more about the program here: Dementia Friendly Communities Ontario | Alzheimer Society of Ontario
Continue reading

The Chatham Alzheimer Society is rolling out a new initiative throughout Chatham-Kent. The program is called “dementia friendly communities” and the goal of the program is to give Chatham Kent businesses the skills and knowledge to better serve our dementia community. After a 1-hour education session with our education manager, your business can become certified as a dementia friendly supporter. With this designation you will receive a special decal for your display and advertising on the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent’s website and socials. You can learn more about the program here: Dementia Friendly Communities Ontario | Alzheimer Society of Ontario

To receive the designation, 75% of frontline staff must complete either the in person education course (1 hour) or an online e-module course (1 hour) (if you cannot get all employees to attend the in-person course).

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent directly at 519-352-1043 ext. 221 or email info@justasck.ca
Municipality of Chatham-Kent 2023-2027 HR Strategies

We are pleased to share with you the 2023-2027 Human Resources (HR) Strategies, which include the People and Culture Strategy, Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHW) Strategy, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Strategy!
We appreciate the collaboration and input many employees and partners have provided tour team since 2021 to develop these Strategies.
Many action items have already been started and many more are on the horizon to achieve our objectives by 2027.
We look forward to sharing the Municipality’s progress and celebrating accomplishments along this path of continuous improvement!

We are pleased to share with you the 2023-2027 Human Resources (HR) Strategies, which include the People and Culture Strategy, Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHW) Strategy, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Strategy!
We appreciate the collaboration and input many employees and partners have provided tour team since 2021 to develop these Strategies.
Many action items have already been started and many more are on the horizon to achieve our objectives by 2027.
We look forward to sharing the Municipality’s progress and celebrating accomplishments along this path of continuous improvement!