On Tuesday, March 10, the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin Branch and Telus announced the expansion of their collaborative Health for Good Program in the Region of Peel.
This specially-equipped clinic on wheels will provide essential primary medical care, mental health care and addiction support directly to underserved citizens. TELUS Health provided the Mobile Health Clinic and is covering the operating costs for three years.
The Mobile Health Clinic will provide a unique one-stop experience where a person can receive support for substance use, mental health and physical health, and have discussions regarding housing needs all in the same space.
Brampton’s will be located downtown. Other Peel locations will stop will be Wilkinson Road Shelter, Compass Food Bank, the Cawthra Road Shelter and the Mississauga Central Library.
Staff on the Mobile Health Clinic will include a Registered Nurse, an Outreach Worker, a Worker Specializing in Substance Use and will be supported by a Nursing Practitioner. Staff will have access to dedicated equipment found in a standard doctor’s office including items like blood pressure cuffs, an examination table, first aid materials and wound and foot care.
David Smith, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin, said, “According to a recent study, on any given night in Peel Region, 922 people are homeless and many also have addictions or mental health needs. In fact, 55 per cent of those who are homeless in this study also identify as having mental health issues and 31 per cent as having addictions.” He added, “Bringing the Mobile Health Clinic, powered by TELUS Health to Peel Region is great news not only for those unable to receive primary care, mental health care or addictions care due to access barriers, but also for those hesitant to seek out mainstream services due to stigma. Now these ‘at-risk’ members of the community will have access to the healthcare they need via the Mobile Health Clinic at one of the daily clinic sites throughout Peel.”
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah shared his experience of the announcement day on Twitter:
Feature Image: Twitter, @ChiefNish
