A new mobile health-care clinic in Winnipeg, launched as a pilot project, is already making significant strides in serving the city’s homeless and at-risk populations. This initiative, a collaboration between the Manitoba government and the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg, aims to address the barriers that these individuals face in accessing traditional health services, including stigma and systemic challenges.
The clinic, operational for a week, is stationed in a van that travels to community organizations and homeless encampments five days a week. It is equipped with essential medical supplies, including naloxone for overdose treatment, contraceptives, and testing equipment for various conditions. Staffed by a doctor, nurse, mental health crisis counselor, and an Indigenous social planner, the clinic has already engaged with approximately 450 individuals, many of whom have utilized its services.
The mobile clinic focuses on providing culturally safe care, incorporating traditional practices such as smudging to support mental health and recovery. The initiative is supported by $1.2 million in funding from the province, aimed at curbing the rise in HIV and other diseases among vulnerable populations.
The project, which represents the first multidisciplinary mobile clinic offering primary care in Winnipeg, hopes to expand its reach with additional funding and resources. Early feedback indicates a positive impact, with hopes for increased support to further enhance its services and operations.
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