Interim Co-Executive Directors Hired at Peterborough Community Health Centre Hires to Spearhead Establishment of New Community Health Centre

The Board of Directors of the Peterborough Community Health Centre (CHC) has appointed David Jeffery and Christine Brander as Interim Co-Executive Directors, announced on Wednesday.

JOHNATHAN BENNETT, CHC DIRECTOR AND CHAIR IS PART OF FOUR BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBERS. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

“David Jeffery is renowned for his decade-long leadership at Chigamik Community Health Centre, and brings a wealth of experience in establishing inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare environments,” said Jonathan Bennett, Peterborough CHC’s board chair. “Under his guidance, Chigamik CHC evolved into a bilingual and Indigenous-focused healthcare facility, catering to the diverse needs of communities in North Simcoe Muskoka. We are so pleased that he and Christine will join us to lead the establishment of our CHC.”

Jeffery's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility makes him a natural leader who can guide the Peterborough CHC toward its mission of promoting community well-being according to a press release.

“I am honoured to collaborate with Christine Brander in leading the establishment of the Peterborough Community Health Centre,” said Jeffery. “Together, we are poised to create a healthcare model prioritizing inclusivity, accessibility, and community empowerment.”

Brander has over two decades of healthcare expertise across various domains which include acute care and primary care settings. With a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Management, Brander’s extensive background encompasses medical education, hospice palliative care and health system planning.

She had a recent tenure with the Ontario Health Central Region System Strategy, Planning, Design and Implementation team.

“I am thrilled to join the Peterborough Community Health Centre as Co-Executive Director and contribute to positive changes in healthcare delivery," said Brander. “With a focus on collaboration and innovation, we will strive to enhance accessibility and effectiveness in delivering healthcare solutions that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.”

Newly funded, which was sought on Feb. 16 last year, the Peterborough CHC is positioned to address the region's pressing healthcare needs while focusing on social determinants of health and supporting vulnerable populations as stated in a press release.

The CHC’s key initiatives are attracting new family doctors and nurse practitioners, reducing pressure on hospitals, attaching thousands of patients to healthcare providers, serving as a hub for social services, and promoting a healthier, safer downtown community.

The Peterborough CHC's programs and services will encompass comprehensive primary care, mental health services, chronic disease management and culturally appropriate care facilitated by Indigenous Traditional Healers. Additionally, the centre will be pivotal in coordinating social services and collaborating with Indigenous partners.

The next phase of the Peterborough CHC initiative involves securing an interim location and commencing client services by the end of the calendar year.

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