In February 2012, the Board of the Central East LHIN launched its Community Health Services (CHS) Integration Strategy.  The overall aim was to improve client access to high-quality services while creating readiness for future health system transformation and responsible use of the public’s investment.
 
The Board of Directors of both Oshawa Community Health Centre (founded in 1982) and The Youth Centre (founded in 1991) agreed that the creation of an integrated Community Health Centre would be beneficial.  The new integrated entity would build on the combined strengths and capacities of both organizations.  The new entity would focus on achieving a continuum of consistent, quality services and resources for clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax and Pickering. 
 
An intensive and lengthy process of due diligence began.  In early 2015, the Final Integration Plan was presented and accepted by both Community Health Centre Boards and the Central East LHIN.  This began the move ahead to implement the integration.
 
On November 1, 2015, Oshawa Community Health Centre and The Youth Centre officially amalgamated into a single Community Health Centre.  Our new organization would focus on building an even stronger community health services sector that is ready to meet the needs of its growing communities; a strong value of the community health centre model of health and well-being.
 
On June 25, 2016, we announced our new name, Carea Community Health Centre.
Our new name is unique and truly identifies what we do best – we care.