About Us
We value equity, diversity, caring and inclusion. We accept people without judgement and support them where they are at in their life.
Who We Are
Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) is a non-profit, community-governed organization. We were established in 1978 and are located in the heart of Chinatown.
What We Do
We support people and communities to enjoy the best possible health and well-being by providing health and social services.
​
We do this by removing barriers to accessing services for people who are vulnerable because of their age, income, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity, and language or culture.
​
We work alongside community members to make our neighbourhood and our city an even better place to live.
Who We Serve
Somerset West is deeply connected to the communities we serve. We pay particular attention to groups facing barriers, including people who are:
-
Isolated seniors
-
Experiencing mental health challenges
-
From ethnocultural, racialized or newcomer communities
-
Living with low-income
-
Homeless or precariously housed
Where We Serve
All of our programs are available to Somerset West residents. We also offer a number of services to residents across the City of Ottawa and the Champlain region.
Our Beliefs
Diversity makes our community stronger.
We are all connected and Everyone Matters.
Health is a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being.
Health equity is key to inclusive, healthy communities.
Working in partnerships makes our impact more powerful.
Meet our Chief Executive Officer, Suzanne Obiorah.
Suzanne is an equity-driven leader with over 24 years of experience in health, social services, and municipal government. As Chief Executive Officer of Somerset West Community Health Centre, she brings bold vision and strategic execution to some of Ottawa’s most complex public health challenges — from housing and homelessness to mental health and racial health equity.
Suzanne has spearheaded transformative initiatives that centre community, compassion, and culturally responsive care. She co-led the formation of the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition, co-launched the city’s first 24/7 community-based mobile crisis response team, and has worked with multiple community partners to launch Ottawa's first Homelessness Addiction and Recovery Treatment Hub. Previously, as Director of Gender and Race Equity, Inclusion, Indigenous Relations and Social Development with the City of Ottawa, she drove the creation of Ottawa’s first Anti-Racism Strategy.
A system builder and policy advocate, Suzanne’s leadership is rooted in collaboration, health equity, and community wisdom. She brings deep governance experience through her roles with Addictions and Mental Health Ontario and the Alliance for Healthier Communities, offering political insight and a strong strategic lens to advance lasting change.
With a Bachelors in Applied Science and Masters of Administration in Health Management, Suzanne aims to lead with purpose, integrity, and the unwavering belief that the principles of equity are not optional — they are essential.
PHOTO BY JULIE OLIVER /Postmedia
Board of Directors
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Treasurer
Secretary
Our Service Delivery Philosophy
We provide accessible, high-quality health and social services, paying particular attention to those facing systemic barriers to access because of their age, income, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity, and language or culture.
​
Our model of health combines the provision of low-barrier primary health care and mental health and addictions services with a wide range of ethno-specific programs and other health promotion and community development programs, with the goal of improving the social determinants of health for our clients and our community. As an organization, we are committed to providing care that is informed by an anti-racism, anti-oppression and trauma-based lens.
​
Somerset West Community Health Centre recognizes the rights of individuals to participate in decisions that promote their optimal well-being in a manner that is equitable and free of prejudice and discrimination. Mutual respect, honesty and trust are critical in our dealings with clients. We are committed to creating culturally safe and inclusive environments, where providers and clients work together to provide services that respect the diversity of cultures, values, beliefs, and socio-economic circumstances of our clients.
​
Our service philosophy is guided by our beliefs. We believe:
-
Health equity is key to inclusive, healthy communities
-
Diversity makes our community stronger
-
We are all connected and Everyone Matters
-
Health is a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being
-
Working in partnerships makes our impact more powerful
-
We accept people without judgement and support them where they are at in their life, taking into consideration the whole context of their family, social support and community belonging
-
In developing individualized services that respect the unique personal history, strengths, culture, values, beliefs, needs, preferences and goals of the client
-
That the client should be actively involved in decisions that affect their health care and be provided with information to make choices that will best meet their needs, including the right to refuse or discontinue that service