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 Update re Integration Activity Minimize


April 28, 2010
 
Dear Client of York Community Services:
 
I am pleased to announce that final approval was received this week to merge York Community Services and New Heights Community Health Centres.
 
Enclosed on the following page is information that summarizes the benefits of the merger and highlights the approvals recently received from the Corporate Members and the Toronto Central LHIN.
 
I am excited about the benefits that can be realized through the integration of the organizations and the opportunities this provides to serve you – our clients – better.  Thank you for your continued support.  
 
Kind Regards,
                                           
 
 
 
Andrea Cohen                                                
Transitional Chief Executive Officer              
Unison Health and Community Services


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 
New Heights Community Health Centres and York Community Services approve voluntary merger
New organization named Unison Health and Community Services
 
Toronto, April 28, 2010 - New Heights Community Health Centres and York Community Services are pleased to announce that at special meetings on April 26 and 27, 2010, the corporate members from both organizations voted to approve the voluntary merger. The approval follows an extensive assessment and consultation process to merge their operations. Earlier this month, the Toronto Central LHIN passed a resolution allowing the merger to proceed.
 
The new name of the merged organization is Unison Health and Community Services (Unison HCS). The name was established through a consultative brand development process, which included input from all stakeholders.
 
“The Toronto Central LHIN fully supports the voluntary merger partnership between the two Community Health Centres. We commend the Boards on having the foresight to combine forces,” says Bonnie Ewart, interim CEO, Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network. “Unison Health and Community Services will offer clients of both organizations a wider range of wellness and education programs and more primary care services, close to home.”
 
Andrea Cohen has been appointed the new CEO of Unison HCS, and an Integration Support Office (ISO) has been created to oversee the activities related to integrating the two organizations. The legal merger is expected to be finalized in late Summer or early Fall.
 
Ms. Cohen said, “I’m pleased to take on this new role and begin the integration process. I truly believe that the merger will bring about improvements for our clients and the community. Clients are the centre of the transformation and we will connect and communicate with them on a regular basis. Unison will offer four full service sites with primary health care and community programs. Clients will continue to receive high quality services right in their neighbourhood.”
 
The creation of Unison HSC will improve and increase services delivered to the community, generate efficiencies and opportunities to strengthen organizational capacity, and gain a stronger voice in the provision of health and social services for marginalized populations in North West Toronto.
 
Also appointed is Michael Rethazi, the new board chair of Unison HCS. “I’m truly honoured to lead the newly merged Board for Unison, and I personally would like to thank all the stakeholders for their hard and diligent work to make this transition happen in such a transparent and dynamic process,” said Mr. Rethazi. “We will build on the excellence across the merged organizations to ensure increased access to high quality programs and services. The operational integration process will provide opportunities to strengthen our organizational capacity and it will allow us to ultimately expand service delivery and advocate better on behalf of our clients, the marginalized populations, in our service delivery areas.”
 
 
About Unison Health and Community Services
Unison Health and Community Services is formed by the voluntary merger of New Heights Community Health Centres and York Community Services. Dedicated to providing high quality health care and community services and programs, Unison HCS will focus on priority populations in North West Toronto to increase access.
 
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Media inquiries:
 
Andrea Cohen, CEO
Unison Health and Community Services
Phone: (416) 787-1676 *251 or (416) 653-5400 *1230
acohen@newheightshealth.org
andrea.cohen@ycservices.com
 
Martin van Zon
President, Interkom
Phone: 1 800 565-0571 *222
m.vanzon@interkom.ca
 
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