Staff Spotlight: Solomon Lome – Health Promoter, Black Health & Wellness Program

“I am grateful for the opportunity Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) has given me to connect with the community.”

This heartfelt statement is one you’ll often hear from Solomon Lome, a passionate and dedicated Health Promoter serving the African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) community members of Durham Region.

Since joining DCHC in the summer of 2024, Solomon has worked tirelessly to build bridges between the community and healthcare services. Drawing from his Ethiopian heritage and extensive experience in community welfare, Solomon connects with members of the Black Diaspora on both an individual and population level. His advocacy ensures that the work DCHC does reflects the community’s real needs, while his health education initiatives empower individuals and families alike.

One of Solomon’s proudest achievements is his role in the success of Kliniki – DCHC’s Black Health & Wellness Clinic and Durham Region’s first culturally affirming full-spectrum clinic for Black community members. Thanks to his efforts, approximately 140 individuals have accessed this critical resource.

“Having a Health Promoter to connect with the community in a direct and compassionate way optimizes the effectiveness of healthcare provided to community members,” says Dr. Kirk Stewart, family medicine physician and Executive Lead for DCHC’s Black Health and Wellness Team. He adds, “Patients speak about the relatability, compassion, and care Solomon has in working with them as they access healthcare and other services through DCHC.”

In a region home to approximately 67,000 Black residents, with the largest concentrations in Ajax and Pickering, addressing health inequities is critical. Solomon’s role is a direct response to combating anti-Black racism and advocating for health equity, integral to DCHC’s mission of Building Healthier Communities Together.

We invite you to visit the Black Health & Wellness Program page  on our website to learn more about DCHC’s Black Health & Wellness Team and the incredible work being done to foster solidarity and improve health outcomes for the ACB community members.