New mobile health clinic unveiled

A new mobile health clinic is being launched to help residents access several integrated services.

The clinic was launched in response to the ongoing opioid crisis and compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is run by Recovery Care, in partnership with Pathways to Recovery, Ottawa Public Health, and Ottawa Inner City Health.

Organizers call it an innovative, cost-effective health care delivery approach, which links clients to community support, provides harm reduction supply kits and peer support services to vulnerable residents. The mobile clinic will meet residents where they live. 

The mobile health clinic provides services in five Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) communities: Queen Mary Court, MacManor, 251/255 Donald, Cumberland Rooming House and 200-201 Friel Street.

“Ottawa Community Housing relies on partner agencies to help meet the diverse needs of 32,000 tenants living in our communities,” explained Stéphane Giguère, chief executive at OCH. “We are encouraged by the initial success of this innovative partnership, which will provide complex care in our communities to vulnerable residents.”

It also provides substance abuse and infectious disease care to patients who are facing complex health challenges, without any judgment or stigma. 

“Strengthening supports to people in OCH housing not only helps people be healthier but, builds capacity to retain and thrive in housing which directly reduces risk of experiencing homelessness,” said Wendy Muckle, the chief executive officer of Ottawa Inner City Health.

The next phase for the mobile health clinic will be to move to shelters and encampments, and growing service delivery to five days per week.

The project has secured partial funding for a three-year pilot.