More than 1,000 newcomers in Windsor-Essex received a lesson on local health care services.
They took part in the 16th annual Health Access Day hosted by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County.
More than 50 exhibits were on hand at the Fogolar Furlan Club including the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, VON, Diabetes Wellness, Canadian Mental Health Association, House of Sophrosyne and Windsor Fire.
Multicultural Council Executive Director Kathleen Thomas says the event is a great introduction on which health services are available.
"It is very useful and I'm so interested in it," says Iman Bohora who came to Canada a year ago from Iraq. "I get a lot of information and I have a big knowledge from this event."
Interpretors were also on hand to help newcomers understand the different agencies and what they have to offer.
"I was asking about the how, I can lose my weight," says Ayoub Chomrai of Congo who came to Canada two months ago. "That is a good question and that is the real question on how to lose my weight, so answer me that question."
Health Access Day. April 17, 2018 (Photo by AM800's Teresinha Medeiros)
Thomas says this event is vital for the newcomers who previously had other concerns.
"For newcomers, especially from war torn countries, that have been displaced because of war and living in refugee camps, health is not their priority," says Thomas. "Safety is their priority."
When the event began 16 years ago, Thomas says about 400 newcomers attended.