In Montréal, the St. Jacques Citizens' Committee set up a community health clinic, aided by volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists and medical students. This film shows discussion, planning, and the clinic in operation, and presents its problems and advantages as seen both by medical workers and by local residents. Members of the Citizens' Committee participated in the making of the film, from original planning through filming, selecting and editing.
Discuss how a community health clinic provides equitable access to primary health care for marginalized or economically disadvantaged patients. How does this clinic strive to ensure that the community is engaged in a meaningful manner? What are some of the clashes in philosophy about health care or patient advocacy that occur? Why do community health clinics struggle in establishing a strategic direction? If such a health clinic exists in your community, who makes up their clientele and what health initiatives are delivered?