Resources for patients and families

List of resources

Archipel newsletters

Our newsletters are intended for our health and community services partners, as well as the general public, including patients and families. We provide updates on our most recent activities and those of our partners.


Find a doctor or nurse practitioner

The province has developed a tool to help people find a family doctor or a nurse practitioner in their community. For more information, visit Find a doctor or nurse practitioner.


Glossary

Here are the definitions and explanations of terms and expressions commonly used in the healthcare system and adopted by our Patient, Client and Family Advisory Committee (PCFAC).


Population health approach: An approach that aims to improve the health status of an entire population and reduce health inequalities between different population groups.   


Ethical framework: Guidelines that ensure the prevention, identification, and management of ethical issues, and provide a range of benchmarks and resources to support decision making.   


Steering Committee: Committee set up in a company or organization with the aim of entrusting it with the responsibility of directing certain tasks or specific activities. For the Archipel OHT, this committee is made up of representatives from the health and social services sectors, PFAC co-chairs, as well as from the communities served, to ensure a good representation.   


Social Determinants of Health: Social and economic factors that influence people’s health. These factors include income level and social status; job security; education level; nutrition; housing; social inclusion; lifestyle, and the physical environment.   


Co-design: Co-design is an approach that enables staff and patients (or other service users) to co-design services and/or care pathways in partnership. It involves a structured process for gathering experiences from multiple and diverse perspectives.   


Patient engagement: Patients/clients, family members and other informal caregivers and health care professionals actively collaborating to improve health care quality in Ontario. The joint development of the parameters of the health system of tomorrow requires the contribution of patients/clients by sharing their lived experiences, but also their preferences and needs to be met.   


Ontario Health Team (OHT): Provides a new way to organize and deliver more interconnected care for patients in their communities. With Ontario Health Teams, health care providers (including hospitals, physicians and home and community care providers) will work as coordinated teams—no matter where they deliver care services.   


Health equity: The absence of unfair and avoidable gaps in access to health care, in terms of quality or outcomes. Achieving health equity requires reducing unnecessary and avoidable differences that are inequitable and unjust. Many of the causes of these inequities are related to social and environmental determinants of health.   


Partner: An organization who collaborates with another organization to achieve common objectives.   


Patient partner: Collaborate with patients/clients, families and caregivers in order to ensure that everyone is actively working together to improve the health care system in Ontario. This collaboration includes the many ways of working with patients/clients, patients, and families to understand and meet their needs.   


Caregiver: A family member or a person considered to be a family member who provides care or support to a person who is seriously ill, injured, unable to care for themselves, and/or needs end-of-life care.   


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Healthcare services in French

For information on the importance of and the access to French-language health services, as well as the regional planning of services and community engagement, visit Réseau des services de santé en français de l'Est de l'Ontario.


Indigenous health

The Wabano Centre is an Indigenous health and cultural centre, and an Indigenous Centre for Excellence, by and for Indigenous people. Located in Ottawa, the Wabano Centre offers programs, services, activities and support for all age groups. For more information, visit Wabano.


The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health and the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition have jointly produced a report on Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in health care across the Champain region. The report highlights anti-Indigenous experiences and eye-witness accounts. It also makes several recommendations to end racism and discrimination, and to improve health equity in Ontario's healthcare system.  For more information, visit Wabano's page Share your story.



September: Truth and Reconciliation Month and Orange Shirt Day 2024

Orange banner with the 2024 of Every Child Matters logo


September is recognized as the Truth and Reconciliation Month, culminating in Orange Shirt Day on September 30th. This month is an important time to reflect on the legacy of residential schools, honor survivors, and commit to reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, established in 2021, aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) goals by encouraging ongoing education and reflection.


Historical Context

Residential schools were part of a system designed to assimilate Indigenous children, stripping them of their culture and identity. The TRC's work aims to address this legacy by documenting survivors' experiences and fostering healing. Orange Shirt Day, inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story, symbolizes the loss of culture and the ongoing need for reconciliation.


How to participate


Online actions

  • Educate Yourself: Learn about the history of residential schools and their impact on Indigenous communities. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) offers valuable resources. Visit NCTR. Visit the Tungasuvvingat Inuit Urban Inuit Knowledge Centre to learn urban Inuit teachings, conversations and observations for urban Inuit across Ontario. 
  • Support Indigenous Creators: Purchase art, literature, and crafts from Indigenous artists and businesses. Adaawewigamig supports the Assembly of Seven Generations.
  • Share Indigenous Voices: Use social media to amplify Indigenous voices and share educational resources.
  • Donate: Contribute to Indigenous-led organizations focused on reconciliation, education, and cultural preservation. 


In-Person Actions in Ottawa and Prescott-Russell


Resources and Support


Some information detailed on this resource sheet may stir up or trigger unpleasant feelings or thoughts. We encourage you to take time to care for your mental and emotional well-being.


If you require further emotional support or assistance, please contact National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419. You can also visit Chiefs of Ontario Indian Residential School Information and Resources page. 


Download a copy of this resource info sheet (PDF).


For general inquiries, contact Archipel at info@eso-archipel.ca. 


Palliative care

Palliative care is designed for people with life-threatening illnesses, usually at an advanced stage. It is also intended for their families. It is an approach to care that encompasses pain and symptom management as well as emotional and mental health, spiritual well-being and the practical needs of everyday life. For information on residential and homecare services as well as palliative care training, visit the following websites.


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Support for caregivers

As a caregiver, you provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour. But as a caregiver, you also need support, information and respite. The following websites offer resources for caregivers.



Support for COPD patients and caregivers

This World COPD Day 2024 - Know Your Lung Function: In recognition of World COPD Day, COPD Canada presents My COPD Checklist. This checklist is a practical tool to use during discussions with healthcare providers. Patients can download, print, or keep the checklist handy—whether in their wallet, on their phone's home screen, or on their fridge—as a reminder to review it during their appointments or visiting a pharmacy.


World COPD Day Graphic: To help promote World COPD Day, download this year's graphic in English. Display it in your organization to raise awareness and encourage discussions about lung health.

2024 World COPD Day poster

The COPD Toolkit: The COPD Toolkit from Waiting Room Revolution includes two key components. Page One, the Overview Roadmap, provides a broad understanding of a person's COPD, helping facilitate open conversations among patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams about the current state of the illness and future expectations. Page Two, the Planning Roadmap, offers detailed insights at all stages of COPD, guiding patients through key life changes and preparations needed. This page can be utilized alongside healthcare providers to tailor care plans and enhance decision-making. For more information and to access the toolkit, visit COPD Roadmap.


The Global State of COPD Report: This report sheds light on current responses to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worldwide and highlights key opportunities for policy action and system change by showcasing promising initiatives. View or download the report.

Support for the Jewish community

People of all faiths have the right to live in safety and security, free from intimidation and violence. Archipel produced a list of emergency resources and support programs for the Jewish community and its allies as well as information about combatting antisemitism. Consult the document Supports and Resources for the Jewish Community and Allies (PDF)


Virtual care and alternatives to the Emergency room



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