REACH Community Health Centre

06/04/2026

Three incredible REACH communities came together to celebrate women. Our Indigenous Women’s Gathering Group, Latin-American Women’s Group, and Arabic women's support groups, brought to life by the vision of our Indigenous Women's Group Facilitator, JB.

They put together the most incredible spread with bannock, grape leaves, stuffed dates, empanadas, and so much more. Participants of the Latin-American Women’s Group danced and lit up the space in traditional dresses representing every country in their group.

The women enjoyed henna art, and the energy in the room was electric! This is truly the essence of community health and the heart of REACH ❤

06/02/2026

National Indigenous History Month is a time to learn, reflect and take action.
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived on and cared for the lands we now know as British Columbia. Today, the province is home to more than 200 First Nations, each with distinct languages, cultures and ways of knowing.

We also recognize the rich cultures of Métis and Inuit peoples.

This month, we reflect on the ongoing work of reconciliation and recognize the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples. https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/

05/28/2026

We are honoured and thrilled to share that local Vancouver artist Lisa Ochowycz has gifted REACH with a stunning original painting from her Hawks series!

‘Hawks’ (Acrylic and Graphite on Panel) is part of an ongoing series Lisa began in 2009. Named after a street here, it is a meditation on how the natural environment shapes the mindset of Vancouver community members. Her abstract, atmospheric work asks what we carry with us when we come back from the misty north shore woods and return to city life.

We are loving how it lights up our Dental Reception space! A huge thank you to Lisa for this generous and meaningful gift. Explore more of her beautiful work at lisaochowycz.ca 🫶

Next time you visit, let us know how you interpret it!

05/26/2026

It’s been a year already, and we couldn't be more grateful to have Melinda Markey leading REACH!

We recently shared a special interview with our members for a firsthand glimpse into Melinda’s experience as Executive Director.

Melinda was interviewed by our Board of Directors and had a candid conversation about her first year from the highlights to the surprises… including a flooded toilet.

She shares what has kept her inspired (hint: it’s people-related 😊) and what she wants people to know about the work happening here at REACH every day.

Check out the full interview on our website:
https://www.reachcentre.bc.ca/news/2026/4/8/melinda-markey-executive-directors-one-year-anniversary

05/21/2026

Although health care is supposed to be a right, many migrant workers, refugees, and undocumented residents in BC still face enormous barriers to accessing care, including fear of detention or deportation.

The Tyee recently published a powerful article about Sanctuary Health, the community group that has spent 30 years helping migrant workers, refugees, and undocumented residents access health care in BC. As co-founder Byron Cruz shared, “Health care should be in the hands of communities.” At REACH, that means ensuring people can seek care without fear, regardless of immigration status.

REACH Executive Director Melinda Markey noted that individual clinics should not have to navigate these issues alone, and called for “access without fear” approaches to be adopted across health providers and health authorities so people can safely receive care in the communities where they live.

With up to 1.6 million temporary permits across Canada expected to expire this year, alongside tightening federal immigration and asylum policies, the need for sanctuary health care is only growing.
REACH remains committed to this work and joins partners across BC in calling for health care systems grounded in dignity, safety, and access for all.

Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/ghmyhW4K

05/21/2026

Although health care is supposed to be a right, many migrant workers, refugees, and undocumented residents in BC still face enormous barriers to accessing care, including fear of detention or deportation.

The Tyee recently published a powerful article about Sanctuary Health, the community group that has spent 30 years helping migrant workers, refugees, and undocumented residents access health care in BC. As co-founder Byron Cruz shared, “Health care should be in the hands of communities.” At REACH, that means ensuring people can seek care without fear, regardless of immigration status.

REACH Executive Director Melinda Markey noted that individual clinics should not have to navigate these issues alone, and called for “access without fear” approaches to be adopted across health providers and health authorities so people can safely receive care in the communities where they live.

With up to 1.6 million temporary permits across Canada expected to expire this year, alongside tightening federal immigration and asylum policies, the need for sanctuary health care is only growing.
REACH remains committed to this work and joins partners across BC in calling for health care systems grounded in dignity, safety, and access for all.

Read the full story here:

Sanctuary Health has helped farm and construction workers for decades. Now they’re bracing for a new crisis.

05/19/2026

Thank you to Douglas College for welcoming the REACH team as part of the Health Expo!

Our HR Coordinator was a featured panelist, discussing relevant topics for internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs), from licensing and credential recognition to workplace integration and supports within the Canadian healthcare system.

Among the topics we explored was the importance of IEHPs developing an understanding of the impacts of colonization on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, equipping them to provide culturally safe, trauma-informed care.

At REACH, we actively value the perspectives and varied training that IEHPs bring to our teams to better serve our diverse community, and to strengthen the quality and depth of care we provide.

It was a privilege to connect with so many talented IEHPs at the job fair. Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event such a valuable experience!

Photos by: Aditya Dhandha 📸

05/14/2026

The Indigenous Women’s Gathering Group at REACH offers a space for cultural connection and sharing. Facilitator, JB creates a warm environment and weaves activities rooted in traditions throughout each session.

They meet every Thursday, building on their knowledge and focusing on wellbeing together. There are currently spaces available, so email us at [email protected] if you would like to join this amazing group of women ❤

05/13/2026

If you are spanish-speaking and have diabetes or are pre-diabetic/at risk, we would love to have you in our workshop series! You will learn tips to stay active, healthy and how to manage diabetes. Email [email protected] to register 💛
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¡Únete a nuestro Grupo Latinoamericano para la Prevención y Control de la Diabetes! Si hablas español y tienes diabetes o eres prediabético/estás en riesgo, ¡nos encantaría contar contigo en nuestro grupo! Aprenderás consejos para mantenerte activo, saludable y cómo controlar la diabetes.
Para registrarte, envía un correo electrónico a [email protected]💛