Our Community Navigators connect people to non-medical supports that improve health and well-being.
Through social prescribing, healthcare providers and community professionals “prescribe” a referral to Community Connection – just like a prescription for medication, but for social and practical support.
Using information provided through the eReferral, our Community Navigators contact the individual by phone and deliver the same comprehensive support as an inbound phone inquiry, including needs assessment, service connections, advocacy, and ongoing follow-up.
How eReferrals Began
Originally developed in 2015 as a poverty-screening pilot with physicians from the Georgian Bay Family Health Team, the program enables secure, consent-based referrals directly to Community Connection.
Another early adopter was the County of Simcoe’s Community Paramedicine Program and Paramedic Services. During the first three years, the County of Simcoe reported a 28% reduction in repeat non-emergency 911 calls from individuals who received some level of support through Community Connection.
The eReferral program now includes 19 participating organizations from across Ontario, including family health teams, paramedic services, a hospital, community health centres, and community service providers. In 2026, it will expand to include police services in Simcoe County.
Data and Impact
In 2025, Community Connection received 847 eReferrals, successfully connecting these individuals to 2,885 programs and services
Social Prescribing Research Project – Lambton College
Lambton College is collaborating with the Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Teams on a social prescribing research project. This initiative addresses the ongoing shortage of primary care providers in rural Southwestern Ontario by connecting patients to non-medical supports that address the social determinants of health, including housing, food security, and social connection.
Through research and evaluation, the project aims to strengthen and optimize social prescribing approaches, improving patient outcomes while helping to reduce pressure on the healthcare system.
Through the three-year research project, the Chatham-Kent and Sarnia OHTs will be working with Community Connection to:
- Develop and test evaluation tools for local social prescribing efforts:
- Design an evaluation and continuous monitoring framework
- Conduct a process and outcome evaluation of ongoing pilot projects.
- Co-Design a model to scale up and/or adapt current social prescribing initiatives for inclusive and equitable access
- Explore new referral pathways and access points to increase accessibility and inclusivity, specifically for community members with limited access to care and resources.
211 is Uniquely Suited for eReferrals
211 is well-positioned to receive eReferrals because it sits at the intersection of health, social services, and community care. As a trusted access point, 211 offers:
Comprehensive, up-to-date resource information. We maintain accurate, curated information on a wide range of community and social services, so referrals are relevant and reliable.
Skilled Community Navigators. Our trained Navigators go beyond sharing information—they take the time to understand each person’s situation, help reduce barriers, and support follow-through.
A system-wide perspective. Because we work across sectors, we can connect people to the right services even when needs are complex or span multiple systems.
Accessible, person-centred support. People and partners can reach us in ways that work best for them—by phone, text, online, or eReferral.
A trusted, neutral role. As a non-clinical, community-based service, 211 helps bridge healthcare and social services without being tied to any one provider.
Technology-enabled coordination and custom digital tools. As a licensed member of Ontario eReferral, Community Connection enables referrals to be sent directly from a patient’s electronic health record, with outcomes shared back into the patient’s chart—creating a seamless, bi-directional flow of information between primary care and community services.