News CHSSN Launches Provincial Patient Navigation Network to Support English-Speaking Quebecers April 2, 2026 CHSSN News CHSSN Launches Provincial Patient Navigation Network to Support English-Speaking Quebecers Quebec City, April 2, 2026 — The Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN) is proud to announce the launch of its new Patient Navigation Network (PNN), an initiative designed to improve access to health and social services for English-speaking communities across Quebec. The project is supported by $995,000 in funding from the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise (SRQEA). While many Quebecers face both the challenges of navigating the complexities of the provincial health system and the stress of their medical situation, the PNN represents a significant step toward addressing persistent linguistic barriers faced by English-speakers when accessing care. Language plays a fundamental role across the entire continuum of healthcare, serving as the main channel for communicating symptoms, diagnosis, treatment planning, and following medical instructions. Clear communication—especially when delivered in a patient’s preferred language and in plain terms—is closely associated with greater safety, fewer medical errors, and improved health outcomes. Through this initiative, patient navigators will be deployed in 11 regions to help individuals better understand and navigate the health and social services system. “This initiative marks an important milestone in strengthening access to care for English-speaking communities,” shared Jennifer Johnson, Executive Director of CHSSN. “By building a coordinated network of patient navigators, we are reinforcing connections between communities and the health system.” Helping Patients Navigate Care Patient navigation is an evidence-based approach that supports individuals facing barriers related to language, culture, geography, or system complexity. Patient navigators provide personalized assistance to ensure patients can access and understand the care they need. Their role includes guiding patients through appointment logistics, assisting with medical forms, and ensuring that key health information is clearly communicated. Navigators also act as a bridge between patients and healthcare providers, offering accompaniment to appointments when necessary and providing emotional support to patients and their families. In addition, navigators identify and address barriers such as transportation, lodging, and language challenges. They connect individuals to community resources and, in some cases, support travel coordination for specialized care outside their region. Coordinated Support and Measurable Impact The CHSSN will lead the coordination of the network by supporting participating organizations in implementing their programs. This includes mentorship, professional development, information sharing, and the promotion of best practices. The organization will also establish a framework and statistical tools to track outcomes, manage reporting across regions, and produce annual reports evaluating the program’s impact. A Strong Community-Based Network Founded in 2000, the CHSSN has spent over two decades supporting English-speaking Quebecers in addressing health and social services disparities and promoting community vitality. Today, the network includes more than 60 member organizations and is involved in over 150 projects and partnerships spanning primary health care, community development, and population health. Through the PNN, the CHSSN will coordinate and support patient navigation services delivered by community organizations in eleven regions: Jeffery Hale Community Partners (Quebec City) Heritage Lower Saint Lawrence (Rimouski) North Shore Community Association- NSCA (Sept-Îles and Baie-Comeau) 4Korners (Laurentides) Assistance and Referral Centre- ARC (Montérégie Centre) Connexions Resource Centre (Outaouais) English Community Organization Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean- ECO-02 (Saguenay) English Community Organization of Lanaudière- ECOL (Lanaudière) Montérégie East Partnership for the English-Speaking Community- MEPEC (Montérégie East) Montérégie West Community Network- MWCN (Montérégie West) Townshippers’ Association (Estrie) Together, these partners will deliver services that support vulnerable English-speaking individuals in accessing both local and, when needed, inter-regional care. Minister Skeete and M. McMahon Visit on April 1, 2026 to announce this new Program Featured in the news : CBC Video CTV News Article: Health care in English: Quebec announces $1M for ‘patient navigators’ SRQEA Press Release- in French: Un pas de plus vers un accès équitable aux soins pour les Québécois d’expression anglaise CBC radio, listen to Jennifer Johnson, CHSSN Executive Director on April 2, 2026 at CBC Breakaway And also on CBC radio, listen to Steve Guimond, CHSSN Program Coordinator on April 2, 2026 at CBC Let’s Go Share This Article Twitter LinkedIn Email
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