BCCHC Research -
Creating Change &
Improving Health
At Black Creek Community Health Centre, research that improves health equity for the community is a strategic priority.
Good quality, community-based research informs public policy to improve community health and well-being in Northwest Toronto.
Consider joining a research study to help ensure that the care you receive help meet your unique needs.
To ask questions or learn more, please contact Black Creek CHC’s Research Coordinator at Victor.Adarquah@bcchc.com or call 416-240-2033
Victor Adarquah.
Research Coordinator,
Black Creek CHC
Black Creek CHC Research Initiatives
- Seeking Participants
By participating in research at Black Creek CHC, you are ensuring the development of programs and services, as well as the funding dedicated to this development is uniquely suited to your healthcare needs.
If you wish to participate in a study, have questions about a research initiative, or if your organization wishes to collaborate with Black Creek CHC on a research project, please contact Victor Adarquah at 416-240-2033 or by email at Victor.Adarquah@bcchc.com
Current Research Collaborations
Help Improve Diabetes Prevention in African, Caribbean, and Black Communities: Use of CANRISK Diabetes Screening Tool.
Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Health Ontario, Access Alliance Multicultural and Community Services, Rexdale Community Health Centre and Taibu Community Health Centre
The research seeks to evaluate CANRISK’s ability to identify high-risk individuals for prediabetes or diabetes as a crucial step in promoting Black health equity.
If you are African, Caribbean, and/or Black and between 18 and 39, you may be able to participate. Upon completion, you will receive an honourarium of $100. You will also get personalized information about your possible diabetes status and risk, if you choose.
We are inviting participants to join this study. View flyer here.
Call / Email Victor at 416-240-2033 Victor.Adarquah@bcchc.com for more information or to book an appointment.
COVID-19 Response Project – SeroMARK.
Sick Kids Hospital
In partnership with Sick Kids Hospital, this project aims to understand the extent of COVID-19 infection and immunity in Black Communities in Ontario and answer key questions about infection rates and contributing factors.
Who can participate?
Children (age 2+) and adults of all ethnicities living in Ontario.
What happens when I participate?
We will obtain your consent for a questionnaire form and blood test.
If you choose to participate, you will receive a gift card.
For more information: email seromark.project@sickkids.ca or call 416 813 5443 / 416 813 5306
Want to meet the SeroMark team? Join us on Saturday July 13 at Imdadul Islamic Centre (26 Le Page Ct) from 10 AM – 3 PM to learn more about the study and participate.
Symptoms and Experience of Long-COVID among racialized communities – a mixed methods study.
Humber River Health (formerly Humber River Hospital) and Queens University
This study is dedicated to identifying the symptoms and daily impact of Long COVID within racialized communities. It also seeks to uncover specific needs and barriers to treatment and rehabilitation, with a focus on potential racial disparities. This research project is in partnership with Humber River Health (formerly Humber River Hospital).
View more information about the study here.
We are inviting participants to join this study. View the flyer here.
Stop COVID-19 in Kids Study.
Sick Kids Hospital
“Stop COVID-19 in Kids” aims to identify barriers to COVID-19 vaccinations in five to 11-year-olds and support development of school and community-based interventions. The project team will work with local community groups to generate knowledge through surveys and focus groups, which will then be used to develop tools and interventions to address barriers to vaccination for children aged five to 11 and their families.
Through surveys and focus groups, the team will work with communities to identify and understand various barriers to vaccine uptake and obtain feedback on existing educational tools and potential new outreach efforts.
Learn more about the study here.
Trauma Therapy Program Evaluation of Resourced and Resilient (R&R).
Women’s College Hospital
This study focused on the evaluation of the delivery of a psychotherapy group called Resourced and Resilient, an 8 week Trauma Therapy Program implemented at Black Creek Community Health Centre.
Learn more about this study here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the Sickle Cell Disease/Black Community: At the Intersection of Ethno-racial and Chronic Disease-related Factors.
Sick Kids Hospital in partnership with Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO)
The study will examine the reluctance and willingness of individuals with SCD (Sickle Cell Disease) and members of the Black community to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in Ontario. The results will provide information on COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy, and also help us to understand why those who are vaccinated are willing to do so. The availability of this information could help to enhance efforts to improve vaccination rates among members of these populations
Learn more about how you can participate here.
Research-informed Programs &
Services at Black Creek CHC
Black Creek CHC prioritizes evidence from community-focused research for the development of programs and services designed to meet the community’s unique needs.
Learn more about our evidence-based programs and services
GLA:D Canada, University Health Network Project Team
The GLA:DTM Canada program implements evidence-based strategies to support the prevention, early diagnosis and effective management of hip and knee Osteoarthritis.
University of Ottawa Heart Institute: Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC)
An evidence-based smoking cessation program offered in primary care settings, OMSC offers tailored assessments and supports for community members who want to quit smoking.
Black Creek CHC regularly collaborates with community and academic organizations on multiple research projects.
Completed research studies and evidence from research help inform Black Creek CHC’s ongoing work, program and healthcare service development include:
Jane and Finch Wellness Advocates for Youth: Supporting Black Youths’ Mental Health, Education and Wellbeing Through Community-Based Interventions: A Research Report.
Mental Health of Black Canadians Project in partnership with Learning Beyond Adversity (LBA) and York University.
Funded by Public Health Agency of Canada.
This study examines the mental health needs of marginalized and at-risk Black youth along with the systemic, community, and familial resources required to support mental health and wellbeing.
RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization: ACPF Quality Improvement Project: Person and Family-Centred Care within a COPD Integrated Care Pathway
As part of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) Best Practice Spotlight Organization, this project explored client perceptions of Person and Family Centred Care (PFCC) as they navigated the Integrated care pathway and transition services within the Northwestern Toronto Ontario Health Teams (NWT OHT).
Stop COVID-19 in Kids Project – Building Trust and Empowering Families Decision Making around Vaccination
This study, led by Sick Kids Hospital, focused on understanding perceptions, acceptance and hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccines in caregivers of kids ages 6 months to 5 years.
Learn more about the study here.
Fighting for Food Justice in the the Black Creek Community: Report, Analyses, and Steps Forward
The community’s strength is demonstrated in its ability to mobilize around the injustices they face together. Grassroots organizations support the community in addressing inequitable food systems. Community members have expressed that they have had enough conversation and are ready for direct and ongoing action that addresses and responds to their concerns.
The Healthcare Experiences of Black Women Living with Diabetes in Toronto.
This research delved into the experiences of Black women with diabetes in Toronto, identifying barriers and enablers to managing their chronic condition.
Community Response to the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy 2020: What Neighbourhood Improvement Looks Like – from Perspectives of Residents of Jane-Finch (2015)
A Report and Executive Summary produced as a Jane-Finch led response to the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy 2020 (TSNS). The goal of the project was to define what “improvement” should look like, from the perspective of community residents, along the City’s key indicators of Healthy Lives, Economic Opportunities and Social Development.
Psychiatric System Survivor/Consumer Advocacy A Critical Literature Review: Final Report Prepared for the Black Creek Community Health Centre Advocacy for Change: Community Mental Health Project (2014)
As part of the ‘Health Equity Action Group’ (formerly called ‘Advocacy for Change’) a review of history and existing practices of mental health/consumer survivor advocacy, a resident-led consumer survivor advisory group, focused on local services and supports for people living with mental health challenges.
Let’s Talk About Sex
Black Creek Community Health Centre, in partnership with York University, and City of Toronto Parks & Recreation, used ‘photovoice,’ a technique collecting stories and experiences from the community in photography and creative writing.
Through the study, stories reveal how their experiences in the community affect their sexual decisions. (2011)
Collaborate with Us on Research
Ongoing research is essential Black Creek’s role as a community health provider in Toronto’s Northwest. Black Creek CHC is pleased to collaborate with organizations on research initiatives. If your organization is seeking to collaborate on a research project, contact Victor Adarquah, Research Coordinator at Black Creek CHC via email:
Victor.Adarquah@bcchc.com or call 416-240-2033.
