Our story…
Support Team Bridge
Connect. Engage. Research – for better health.
The Bridge Engagement Centre (TheBridge) is led by Dr. Smita Pakhale. The Bridge is a community research centre, where Ottawa’s most vulnerable residents( i.e., people who self-identify as homeless, at-risk for homelessness, low-income racialized including Indigenous people) co-create sustainable solutions by challenging the status quo.
Equity Centered: Members participate in every phase of Bridge projects, including participation in the Centre’s governance body
Empowerment: We are a strong community that empowers those who are homeless or at- risk for homelessness, of Indigenous origin and low income
Health Inside and Out: In addition to reducing or quitting tobacco use, participants reduced all other drug use (including opioids like fentanyl) and improved their general socioeconomic status
Harm Reduction: Our holistic approach may prevent diseases like cancer, heart attack and strokes while creating a vibrant, productive and healthy populations, with no one left behind
Global Support for The Bridge: Our ‘Whole-Person’ comprehensive approach is being acclaimed in San Francisco, Chicago, Omaha, and Toronto (CAMH & PARC), which are all partnering with us to implement our model for their homeless and low-income populations
Support Team Bridge!
