Accessing health care can be a struggle for anyone, but for those facing homelessness in Saint John, the barriers are often insurmountable. A new initiative is changing that dynamic by bringing medical and mental health support directly to the people who need it most.

A mobile health-care co-ordination team is now active in the city, working alongside community partners to deliver care in the uptown area. Instead of waiting for patients to visit a clinic, this team meets them where they are—in shelters, community hubs, and encampments.

Meeting People Where They Are

The team operates in pairs, visiting various locations to provide primary care, such as wound care, immunizations, and blood tests. They also offer critical support for addictions and mental health, including counselling, while helping individuals navigate the often complex health-care and housing systems.

Susan Neal, Horizon Health Network’s director of primary care in Saint John, emphasizes the importance of this approach. “Our health-care co-ordination team meets people where they are: in shelters, encampment sites and other community-based settings,” Neal stated in a government release. “By showing up consistently, the team provides compassionate, barrier-free health care to individuals who may otherwise face challenges accessing services.”

Where the Team Operates

You will find this multidisciplinary team visiting several key organizations and sites across Saint John, including:

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

A Multidisciplinary Approach

The province invested approximately $394,000 to establish this team through Horizon Health Network. The current roster includes two licensed practical nurses, one registered nurse, two human service counsellors, a social worker acting as clinical co-ordinator, and an administrative assistant. Recruitment is also underway for a part-time nurse practitioner.

Health Minister John Dornan highlighted the effectiveness of this model. “This is just one example of what collaborative, flexible, community-based care can look like in action,” Dornan said. “When care approaches are tailored to the needs of different populations and communities, care is more effective and can lead to better health outcomes.”

Impact on Housing and Recovery

Beyond immediate medical needs, the team plays a vital role in housing stability. Since launching, they have assisted community partners and government services in helping people secure housing. David Hickey, the minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation and a resident of the area served, noted the tangible shift in the community.

“This is a health-care service that is making a direct impact in our community,” Hickey said. “As someone who lives in the area served by this team, we can see and feel a difference as people get the supports they need.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific medical services does the mobile team provide?

The team offers primary care services including wound care, immunizations, and blood tests. They also provide mental health and addictions support, such as counselling.

Who makes up the mobile health team?

The team currently consists of two licensed practical nurses, one registered nurse, two human service counsellors, a social worker, and an administrative assistant. They also collaborate with staff from the Centre for Research, Education and Clinical Care of At-Risk Populations.

Where does the funding for this initiative come from?

The provincial government provided approximately $394,000 to Horizon Health Network to establish and operate this mobile team.