Revisiting a Community Health Centre Movement

Abstract

This thesis explores the role and functionality of the Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (HUCCHC) within the context of advocacy and activism to understand how this institution can contribute a pathway for social change in public health. This qualitative case study uses an interpretive lens to analyze primary health care at the HUCCHC, and how it is being used to improve the social determinants of health (SDH). The study investigated participants’ understandings of how the HUCCHC demonstrates that a community health centre can be a catalyst for social change. Moreover, this research project asked what sorts of conditions or circumstances are necessary to foster an environment conducive for community organizing for social change. This study employed field observation and interview techniques to gather data. Findings suggest that building equitable relationships based on dignity and respect, and community engagement were the foundational aspects necessary to provide the conditions conducive for community organizing. However, the outcomes from these relations put the HUCCHC at risk of becoming marginalized. Findings further suggest that equitable relationships and community engagement also provided a foundation for social action. The HUCCHC demonstrated that it is a catalyst for social change by embracing a primary health care model that also fosters a social action approach to health care.