Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre

04/01/2026

💙🌈 April is Autism Awareness Month 🌈💙

This month, we celebrate and uplift people with Autism and the broader neurodivergent community. Autism is not something to “fix." It’s a different way of experiencing, thinking, learning, and engaging with the world.

Neurodivergent minds bring incredible strengths, including:
✨ Deep focus and passion
✨ Creative and innovative thinking
✨ Strong pattern recognition
✨ Honesty and unique perspectives
✨ Meaningful, authentic connections

At EarlyON, we believe every child belongs. When we embrace different ways of thinking and being, we create spaces where all children and families can thrive.

Let’s move beyond awareness toward acceptance, inclusion, and celebration.

To learn more, find resources, or access supports, visit Autism Ontario:
👉 https://www.autismontario.com

Together, we can build communities that honour neurodiversity and recognize the strengths in thinking differently 💛

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

Friendly reminder that we will be closed on Good Friday.

If you attend the Early ON programming on Saturdays, please check in with them to see if they are open on Saturday April 4th.

There will be no Income Tax Clinics this Friday or Saturday. They will resume on Friday April 10th.

03/31/2026

Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility ( ), a day to celebrate the lives, contributions, and resilience of transgender people, while also raising awareness of the disproportionate levels of poverty, discrimination, and violence many in the community continue to face.

At Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (PQCHC), we are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals. Our work includes:

👉 Providing gender-affirming healthcare

👉 Ensuring our staff receive ongoing training in gender diversity, cultural competence, and inclusive care

Everyone deserves to feel supported, heard, respected, and valued, regardless of their gender identity.

03/26/2026

TODAY, March 26 is International Social Prescribing Day. We invite you to be part of this global movement recognizing the power of community connection for health and wellbeing.

To discover what's happening across our region, we've compiled a comprehensive listing of local events, resources, and ways to get involved. Whether you're new to social prescribing or a seasoned practitioner, there's something for everyone: https://www.allianceon.org/Social-Prescribing-Day-March-26-2026

The Alliance is thrilled to share that our work is resonating beyond borders. Our team will be presenting on the Ontario model of Social Prescribing at an international webinar hosted by the French Association for Social Connection. Join us as we exchange insights with colleagues in France and explore how social prescribing is transforming healthcare perspectives worldwide: https://www.nosliens.fr/d-tails-et-inscription/la-prescription-sociale-une-nouvelle-maniere-de-penser-la-sante-en-france-a-laune-des-experiences-internationales

Whatever way you choose to mark this , let's share the word on the importance of connection to health and wellbeing, and the difference we can make to health outcomes when the resources are there to link people to what they need.

Happy Social Prescribing Day to everyone in Ontario and across Canada!

03/11/2026

Concerned about a power outage?
Keep your food safe:
- Avoid opening the refrigerator door to keep its contents cold.
- Food in most freezers should remain frozen for 24 to 48 hours without power.
Learn more: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Storm

03/08/2026

Today we recognize International Women's Day and this year's UN theme: "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls".

The theme "calls for action to dismantle the structural barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls" (UN Women, 12 January 2026).

At Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre, our vision is clear: a safe, just, and healthy community for all. It aligns deeply with this year's call to action. Safety is a right; justice requires accountability and equity; and building healthy communities demands intentional, sustained action.

When women thrive, communities thrive.

03/06/2026

Today at Winthrop Court Community House PQCHC we celebrated International Women’s Day during our women’s group session. Participants shared messages to inspire other women—offering courage, strength, hope, and meaningful connection. By lifting each other up, we truly gain through what we give.

We also hosted an informative discussion on Understanding Substance Use Health.

03/04/2026

03/04/2026

Breaking the Silence: Substance Use Health in Our Communities

March 5th 11:00am-12:00pm

Substance use and addiction look different for everyone.
Join us for a community session on substance use health, equity, and available supports.

We’ll explore:
✨ Beliefs and myths about addiction
✨ The spectrum of substance use
✨ Community strengths
✨ Why culturally safe and fair access to care matters

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88057821895?pwd=J9k34ir8ArHlkb0cgLJp7e48axHSpq.1

Meeting ID: 880 5782 1895
Passcode: 885374

03/01/2026

Congratulations to Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) for hosting another successful Coldest Night of the Year ! The turnout was fantastic, the weather was perfect, the food was delicious, and the community came together to support an important cause: raising both funds and awareness for the vital work being done locally to support those in need.

Team Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre was proud to raise funds and walk alongside such an amazing partner. We are thrilled to share that we raised $2,100, reaching 140% of our fundraising goal!

Between 29 teams, we were able to raise $49,436 for WOCRC!

02/27/2026

This month, our team took time to learn, listen, and celebrate. We participated in meaningful workplace events that deepened our understanding and appreciation of Black experiences, including a powerful presentation on Black and trans lived experiences, learning about the history and significance of Black hair, and a joyful celebration filled with good food, music, and shared learning.

Black History Month is a reminder that learning doesn’t stop at the end of February. We remain committed to reflection, equity, and creating spaces where all identities are seen, respected, and valued. 💛