Mobile team offers primary care for unhoused people in Saint John

A mobile team based in Saint John, N.B., is offering primary care to people experiencing homelessness.

The provincial government says the team has two licensed practical nurses, two human service counsellors, one registered nurse, a social worker and an administrative assistant. They are also looking to recruit a part-time nurse practitioner.

“Members of the team work in pairs and visit community organizations and encampment sites to provide primary care (such as wound care, immunizations, blood tests, etc.), addictions and mental health care (such as counselling), and help people navigate the health-care and housing systems,” a news release from the province reads.

The team visits sites such as:

• Avenue B Harm Reduction
• PULSE (People United in the Lower South End
• Romero House
• “green zones” (city-owned properties with sanction transitional housing)
• Salvation Army
• Somerset ACRES
• a community hub and shelter operated by Outflow Ministry
• St. John’s Anglican Church (Stone Church)
• Coverdale Centre for Women
• Rose House

“Addiction and mental health services need to be accessible, compassionate and fully integrated, with a focus on the whole person,” said Justice Minister Robert McKee, who is also minister responsible for addictions and mental health services, in the release. “This team is providing co-ordinated care and the right support for people who are struggling, and effectively helping them on their recovery journey.”

The province gave roughly $394,000 to Horizon Health to establish the team.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.