Health services designed by and for Black communities are growing across the GTA, from culturally specific programs to entire health centres dedicated to serving the Black community! Many services are covered with an Ontario health card, also called an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, and often clinics are able to see newcomers without costs.
Below is a list of resources for young Black people looking for health services in Toronto, we realize we may not have listed every available resource out there, so if you think there’s something we’re missing let us know here.
Services:
Black specific programming?
Yes! Across Boundaries has a holistic approach to mental health care includes many of the same services offered by other mental health agencies, but is also anchored in an anti-racist, anti-Black racism and anti-oppression framework.
OHIP covered?
Free without OHIP.
How to contact:
Services:
Black specific programming?
Yes! CAFCAN’s primary focus is on building and strengthening the service framework for African Canadian children, youth and families through culturally safe individual and group counselling supports, case management services, employment services, youth mentorship, and youth outreach programs.
OHIP covered?
Services are free and not related to OHIP coverage
How to contact:
Services:
Black specific programming?
Yes, the Black Youth Mental Health Initiative offers various workshops and groups specifically for Black youth, including therapy sessions, creative opportunities, and other virtual events that offer Black youth a chance to build community, make new connections, foster new skills, and share a sense of belonging.
OHIP covered?
Yes, clients can also be seen without health coverage.
How to contact:
Services
Black specific programming?
Yes! Sherbourne Health has been running Black Queer Youth since 2002. BQY is a weekly drop-in group that celebrates Black queer and trans spectrum people’s experiences and accomplishments. BQY welcomes Black, Caribbean, African or multiracial queer and trans spectrum youth aged 29 or under who live in Toronto, especially downtown, in the Jane-Finch/Black Creek or Malvern/Scarborough communities.
Sherbourne Health’s other main populations of focus include:
OHIP covered?
Yes, clients can also be seen without health coverage.
How to contact:
Services:
Black specific programming?
Yes! TAIBU offers Black-identifying clients from throughout the Greater Toronto Area access to primary care, health promotion and disease prevention programs in a culturally affirming environment.
OHIP covered?
Yes, clients can also be seen without health coverage.
How to contact:
Services:
Black specific programming?
Yes, Women’s Health In Women’s Hands is a Community Health Centre for racialized women living in Toronto and surrounding municipalities. Their primary health care team of highly skilled health care professionals specialize in the health and wellness needs of racialized women and prioritizes those from African, Caribbean, Latin American and South Asian communities. Their services are fully accessible and designed to address the barriers that prevent women from being in excellent health.
OHIP covered?
Yes, clients can also be seen without health coverage.
How to contact:
If you have questions about this topic or where to find other health resources, feel free to contact one of our peer educators. [Link]
Last updated: February 2023
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