National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 19, 2025

As an organization committed to removing barriers to healthcare and making access more equitable and culturally appropriate, CarePoint Health recently hired Karry Anne Daye, Kanien’kéha (Mohawk), as Indigenous Lead, to support a new Indigenous pathway for the OSP program. 


In honour of Indigenous History Month and Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), we spoke with Karry Anne about her role and the significance of this month.

Q: Why is Indigenous History Month important, and how can people expand their understanding?

A: Shé:kon (hello)! I'm Karry Anne Daye (she/they). I'm 2Spirit, of Mohawk/French ancestry, from Akwesasne First Nation. Indigenous History Month is important as it provides an opportunity to learn about the historical and contemporary issues impacting Indigenous people in Canada, particularly as a means of understanding and addressing harm. It is a wonderful time to explore the beauty of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures (for example, by attending regional pow wows). It's also important to reflect upon the needs of Indigenous people. Since this marks the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada's 94 Calls to Action, there are specific actionable items that pertain to healthcare. I encourage people to read the TRC recommendations, reflect on them, and take action where they can.


Q: What experiences in previous roles will help guide this work?

A: As a status First Nation member and registered social worker, I have recently joined CarePoint Health as the OSP Indigenous Lead. In my 27 years of experience, I've worked alongside urban Indigenous folx in the London/GTHA area. Working with those in post-secondary schools or those impacted by homelessness or concurrent disorders, I offered culturally grounded, wholistic support from an Indigenous lens. Having both lived and professional experience as a critical social worker highlights the importance of creating spaces for equitable access for marginalized communities to navigate colonial systems, such as healthcare, that have historically been traumatic spaces to navigate.


Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your new role?

A: Within this role, I hope to listen to the needs of the Indigenous community, advocate for actionable change, and increase internal capacity, thereby creating culturally safe care that enables Indigenous people to attend to their mental health and wellbeing.


Q: Why is it important to have conversations around health access, culturally appropriate care, and barriers to access?

A: It is important to have these conversations, as healthcare has been incredibly harmful for Indigenous people. Increasing understanding, awareness, and willingness to provide care in ways that Indigenous people need is essential in efforts to reduce harm.

September 12, 2025
On Thursday, September 3, 2025, Minister Natalia Kusendova and MPP Sheref Sabawy announced $5.1 million in new provincial funding to expand access to family doctors and primary care teams across our community. This funding will help connect up to 12,800 more Mississauga residents to the care they need. It brings the Province one step closer to ensuring that all Ontarians have access to a primary care provider by 2029. In collaboration with our incredible partners – Mississauga Health, Credit Valley Family Health Team, Summerville Family Health Team, and LAMP Community Health Centre – we are better supporting the health and wellness of our community. This is being achieved through the expansion of team-based primary care across Mississauga, working with Community Ambassadors to engage underserved and diverse communities, and using CarePoint Connects to match patients with available providers. This a meaningful step toward ensuring everyone in Mississauga has access to timely, comprehensive primary care. Collaboration is at the core of everything we do. We're grateful to our partners and the Province for their support in making this possible.  We look forward to creating a well-connected and healthier future for all.
August 15, 2025
Where in Mississauga can I go if I don’t have air conditioning? “There are different ways people can access a cool space for free in the community. There are several public libraries in the city where people can go and also enjoy an activity like reading, using a computer, and participating in programs” says Tianlan (Tara) Xu, a social worker at CarePoint Health. “ Public pools and splash pads are also a great way to have fun in the summer and keep cool,” she says. If being outdoors isn’t your thing, there are also other indoor spaces like malls that offer shade and AC. Is there financial assistance to help with energy costs? “Some individuals may be eligible for the Ontario Electricity Support Program ,” says Tara. People can go online to learn more about this program. Can the extreme heat be impacting my emotions? “Your environment can play a big role in how you feel day to day. If you are already experiencing symptoms such as irritability – things like extreme heat can make these feelings worse,” says Tara. “Working with a social worker can help people build coping skills to reduce stress and gain knowledge on how to manage heightened emotions during difficult times,” she adds. “Self-care is an important practice to keep in mind. Everybody has their way of caring for themselves. Sometimes it can be difficult to make self-care a priority. I recommend setting a small goal to do one to two things a day that make you feel good, it’s a great first step.” Bottom Line: Listen to Your Body Extreme temperatures can impact us in different ways. It’s important to recognize if you may be experiencing health issues related to heat seek additional support. Connecting with your family doctor or healthcare provider can help you learn how to prevent or manage health concerns before they become worse. Everybody has different needs – make sure to listen to your body and seek support when you need. If you don’t have a family doctor and you’re unsure where to turn, reach out to our team for support . --- CarePoint Health is an interprofessional care team of primary care physicians and allied health professionals working together to improve the health and wellness of the Mississauga community.
August 12, 2025
This past summer, CarePoint Health was proud to partner with Mississauga Health and CareFirst Ontario on the launch of the mobile cancer screening bus at three events across Mississauga, bringing vital preventive health services directly to the community. Our nurse practitioners led education and screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer in a private, mobile vehicle. Community and healthcare staff were able to receive care in a comfortable and safe space. One of the events in partnership with Partners Community Health (PCH), welcomed the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, who toured the mobile unit and met with our nurses and Dr. Sundeep Banwatt, Clinical Director, to discuss the importance of early detection for frontline staff. “By bringing these essential services directly to where people work and live, we're removing barriers to preventive care and empowering individuals to take charge of their health,” explains Andrew Bilton, Executive Director, CarePoint Health. “A partnership like this represents our ongoing commitment to innovative, community-centered healthcare delivery." Over the course of the day, over 20 staff from PCH attended screening appointments and learned about cancer prevention, while many more stopped by to access education and resources from community partners. To learn more about our cancer screening services click here . 
A stack of carepoint health pamphlets on a table
October 30, 2024
Walking through our clinic on open house day brought a unique energy that's difficult to describe.
A group of people are posing for a picture in front of a sign that says miss heart.
July 5, 2024
Celebrating a milestone investment in team-based primary care in Mississauga.
A doctor with a stethoscope around his neck is holding a clipboard.
October 12, 2023
With over 2.2 million Ontarians without a family doctor, the call for more collaborative, integrated health care models has never been more urgent.