The very first clinic of its kind in Canada

About HEALTH

H.E.A.L.T.H stands for Health Care, Education, Advocacy, Linkage for Trauma Informed Healing.

H.E.A.L.T.H is a Nurse Practitioner led advocacy and health care program designed specifically to promote trauma informed health care through a patient centered framework and provide you with opportunities for health promotion. We are dedicated to preventing and healing the harmful effects of commercial sexual exploitation/trafficking/sexual violence. We strive to create a culture of equity and inclusion.

We handle your day to day wellness needs and we include opportunities for health prevention. We are familiar and acknowledge the social determinants of health and how trauma such as sexual violence, exploitation, discrimination, racism, and childhood adversity can impact your wellbeing.

With our client's permission, we partner with local and regional social service providers to assist those affected by violence in rebuilding their lives.

We understand Trauma

As a clinic, we understand that trauma is a common experience. Trauma affects every part of us - our brain, our health, our emotions, our ability to cope, our moods, and our social connections. At H.E.A.L.T.H, we believe that if we work together, everyone can access health care and find the hope and healing they seek.

Illustration of the observation room at HEALTH clinic Ottawa.

Who do we treat?

The H.E.A.L.T.H clinic is exclusively designed to care for an support persons who are at risk for, are experiencing, or have experienced human trafficking (sex and labour trafficking), sexual assault and coercion.

No identification or health insurance required for an initial visit. Should laboratory testing or certain medications be needed, proof of identification will be required.

We are an excellent fit for persons who view mainstream healthcare as traumatic and inaccessible.

All persons (15 years and older) are welcome, regardless of gender, ability, race, culture, status in Canada, insurance or documentation.
2SLGBTQ+ and diverse populations are welcome
Mental health and substance use disorders are welcome

A new approach to health care in Ontario

Our Clinincal Lead and Support

Clinical Director : Tara Leach

PHC-NP, MScN, SANE-A, TICT-CT, CPMHN(C)

Tara is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner and a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, with over 15 years of experience working with adult and adolescent victims of personal trauma.

For privacy and confidentiality of our staff, pictures and names outside of our clinical director are not available on our site.

Always grateful