Find out what the North East CCAC is all about

Sudbury residents curious about the services the North East Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) has to offer will be able to find out at a public information fair Thursday, June 25.

“We're often told people don't know what the CCAC does,” said Sean Barrette, a spokesperson for the North East CCAC.

In 1996, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care established the CCACs to provide a first point of contact for public access to government-funded home care, community services and long-term care homes. At that time, 43 CCACs were established in communities across the province.

In 2007, these 43 offices were aligned with the 14 Local Health Integration Networks. There are now 14 CCACs operating in every community across Ontario. A single CCAC can have a head office with multiple branch offices as well as a presence in hospitals and other health-care settings.

The North East CCAC was aligned to cover a large geographic area spanning the James Bay Coast to the north, Parry Sound to the south, Mattawa to the east, and west to Wawa.

For the first time, the North East CCAC will occupy the United Steelworkers Hall on Brady Street with a dozen booths to inform visitors about the various services on offer.

At one booth, health care workers will demonstrate how the telehomecare system works.

“It will be interactive,” Barrette said. “There will be people there to answer questions and really give people a clear picture of what we do, and the scope of what we do.”

At other booths people will have the chance to measure their blood pressure, or even try some yoga.

The fair runs from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Barrette said all are welcome to attend, but the fair will be especially useful to those who may take advantage of the North East CCAC's services in the near future.

Children of elderly parents, he said, might want to drop by to find out what is available for home care in the community.

Seniors make up almost 60 per cent of the CCAC's patient population, he said.

The fair will be preceded by the North East CCAC's annual general meeting, which will feature presentations by CEO Richard Joly, and board chair Ron Farrell.