In this episode, Dr. Tara Kiran travels to Durham, Ontario, to visit the Durham Community Health Centre, where CEO Francis Garwe leads a team rethinking what primary care can look like when it is truly rooted in community. Touring a repurposed public school that now houses a wide range of services—from mental health counseling and a regional diabetes team to food security programs, youth programming, and community gardens—Tara sees firsthand how Durham CHC addresses the social determinants of health alongside clinical care. She then sits down with Francis Garwe, Dr. Akeem Stewart, and Dr. Kirk Stewart to discuss how the centre is advancing Black health through initiatives like the Kliniki clinic and a community ambassador model designed to build trust and improve access. Together they explore what it takes to co-create programs with the communities they serve—and what other clinics in Canada might learn from Durham’s approach to equity-driven primary care.

Donate to Durham CHC

Durham CHC relies on private donations, grants, and other sources to fund some of the important services they offer that address social determinants of health. To support the Durham Community Health Centre’s innovative work, visit their website at www.durhamchc.ca.

Podcasthon

Primary Focus is proud to take part in Podcasthon, the world’s largest charity podcast event! We were tasked with creating an episode dedicated to supporting a charity or non-profit that truly matters to us, and we chose Durham CHC. Podcasthon brings together podcasters globally to raise awareness for important causes - without any money involved. It’s all about uniting voices to make an impact, with more than 1,000 podcasts highlighting a charity of their choice. Listen to more episodes as part of Podcasthon here. 

Research and programs mentioned in this episode

Get more information on the Durham Community Health Centre. 

Learn more about Ontario Health’s Black Health Plan, informed by the work done by Francis Garwe and the Durham CHC

Find out about the Black Health Committee, a committee for the Alliance for Healthier Communities

Visit the Black Physicians Association of Ontario website to learn more about their work on Black health

MAINPRO CREDITS: Family doctors can claim Mainpro Credits by completing a linking learning exercise.

Listen to other episodes of Primary Focus in our series on community-driven health equity clinics:

In Costa Rica: How a middle-income country built a world-class primary care systemIn Costa Rica: integrating public health and primary careIn Vancouver: A Clinic Accountable to the Community It Serves

More about Primary Focus:

Subscribe to our Substack newsletter

Have an idea for an episode? Email [email protected]

Dr. Tara Kiran is a family physician and researcher who is passionate about building a stronger, more equitable primary care system in Canada. She practices at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto where she is also a scientist at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions. In 2022, Dr. Kiran launched OurCare, a national initiative to engage the public in shaping the future of primary care in Canada. You can learn more about Dr. Kiran’s research here: https://maphealth.ca/kiran/ 

Primary Focus receives financial support from the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Foundation, and the Max Bell Foundation. Dr. Tara Kiran is supported as the Fidani Chair in Improvement and Innovation at the University of Toronto and a Scientist in the Departments of Family and Community Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit primaryfocus.substack.com