(Toronto, ON. October 1, 2023.) In honor of Community Support Month this October, the Ontario Community Support Association acknowledges the unwavering commitment and resilience of the home and community support sector’s incredible staff and volunteers. As the healthcare system continues to face unprecedented challenges, the demand for community-based services has never been higher and these incredible service providers continue to go above and beyond to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and reduce premature admissions to long-term care.
Each year, more than one million Ontarians reach out for community support services (CSS) to help them live well at home, and this number continues to rise as our population ages. These services have become an indispensable part of our healthcare system and Community Support Month is an important time to recognize the tremendous impact that these services, and the providers who deliver them, have on the lives of some of Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens.
Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA, acknowledges the profound impact of CSS organizations, stating, "CSS organizations are pillars in our healthcare system and have expert knowledge of client needs, priority populations, and service delivery. OCSA is honoured to celebrate these incredible organizations and their dedicated staff throughout the month of October, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their commitment to ensuring that seniors and people with disabilities receive the care they deserve in the comfort of their homes and communities."
The sector includes over 25 essential programs, including nursing care, personal care, homemaking, Meals on Wheels, Alzheimer's and adult day programs, medical appointment transportation, caregiver support, hospice, and palliative care services, among many others. These services are delivered by a workforce of over 22,000 staff plus tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers who contribute nearly 3 million hours of service each year.
We encourage everyone to participate in the Community Support Month celebrations this month by:
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Rhiana Alfadili
OCSA Communications Manager
416-256-3010 / 1-800-267-6272, ext. 219
Rhiana.Alfadili@ocsa.on.ca
180 Dundas St. W., Suite 1400-B,Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8