Ottawa Inner City Health

07/25/2025

Happy National Moth Week to those who celebrate 🎉 Jokes aside, we’re proud to spotlight Tim, our amazing CTS Shift Lead. Tim is deeply appreciated by both clients and staff. Thank you so much, Tim, for your incredible dedication and hard work over the years!

07/24/2025

Happy Self-Care Day! Today we’re sending love to all our staff who give so much of themselves every day. This work is intense, and taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s necessary. We see your effort, your heart, and your humanity. Thank you for being here.

07/23/2025

Meet our incredible Case Management team! Our Trailer Case Managers work collaboratively using a team-based approach to support clients with whatever goals they bring forward, big or small. Whether it’s taking someone to City Hall to replace missing ID (a critical step for securing housing, employment, or opening a bank account), accompanying a client to RespectRx to start treatment, or helping with goals like reconnecting with family or navigating the healthcare system, they’re there.

What makes this team so special is their flexibility and commitment to meeting people where they’re at. When a client is ready, the team is ready, because timing is everything. Their focus is on taking action the same day to reduce barriers and build momentum. This approach has already helped 96 unique clients this year! We’re so proud of the deep care our Case Management team brings to our community. Thank you Tabitha, Sam, Ray, and Jaymie!

07/18/2025

On Monday, our Case Management and Program Team Lead, Tabitha Morris, gave a fantastic talk at LEPH 2025 on how we can involve people who use drugs in creating safer downtown spaces.

She also had the chance to connect with leaders from around the world and gather ideas in many areas related to our work. We’re proud to have her representing us and bringing that knowledge back to the team!

07/16/2025

The toxic drug crisis continues to worsen, but each of us can help make a difference. Carrying naloxone is one small act. It’s free, easy to use, and available at most local pharmacies. Staff can also show you how to use it. If your pharmacy doesn’t carry any, you can visit .care in Ottawa to get a kit!

📚 Source: Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses. (2025, July). Opioid and stimulant-related harms in Canada. healthinfobase.canada.ca

07/16/2025

07/15/2025

Meet Stacey, our Human Resources Coordinator and a key member of our administrative team. Our small and mighty administrative staff may not be visible to our clients and the public but they are the ones who keep things running behind the scenes so the front line staff can focus on our clients. Today, we want to give them the shoutout they deserve!

07/11/2025

Today is World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day. Many people in our community use benzodiazepines, both prescribed and unregulated. The toxic drug supply makes this even riskier, as illicit substances are contaminated with harmful additives, like benzodiazepines, that people do not intend on using. Harm reduction and safer supply are crucial!

07/09/2025

Today is Nunavut Day, which marks the anniversary of the passing of the Nunavut Act in 1993, which led to the creation of Nunavut as a separate territory on April 1, 1999.

To celebrate, we’re highlighting our Northern Country Food Feast Lunch at the The Ottawa Mission, held every third Friday of the month.

This special meal brings the community together with traditional foods like bannock, caribou stew, Arctic char, maaqtaaq (whale) and more. It’s a space for connection, culture, and celebration! 🍽️🫶🏽

07/08/2025

We want to take a moment to highlight Mary, a long-time community member and program peer at Ottawa Inner City Health. Mary brings incredible lived experience and passion to her work, and her impact on our programs and community can’t be overstated.

She is truly adored by clients, peers, and staff alike, and has helped change how we do things for the better. We are so grateful for everything she does and proud to have her as part of our team. Mary, we really appreciate you!

07/07/2025

Thanks to everyone who took the time to check out our new Strategic Plan! This plan outlines where we're headed as an organization and reflects the values that shape our work. If you haven’t had a chance to explore it yet, we invite you to take a look and learn more about our next steps.

oich.ca/strategic-plan

07/04/2025

We’re excited to spotlight our Block Leader program!

This initiative grew from the community to support leaders with lived experience in restoring positive street culture and reducing social disorder. Since July 2023, Block Leaders have been serving the Byward Market every day by handing out water, picking up garbage, and building connections through kindness and compassion. The program is only growing and we can’t wait to see what’s next!