The Growth and Evolution of a CHC: Responding to Changing Needs using a Dynamic, Decentralized Model of Care

Introduction 

Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services (Access Alliance) works to improve health outcomes of socially vulnerable and medically complex residents of Toronto (including immigrants, refugees, and racialized groups) through ensuring equitable access to quality care and services by an inter-professional team. Since its inception in 1989, Access Alliance evolved from a small, ethno-specific community health centre (CHC) to a large multi-service organization with decentralized1 operations and dynamic service delivery approaches. This case study will showcase how four driving forces, facilitated by three critical enablers, promoted the evolution and strategic growth of a community health organization.