People living in Terrace and surrounding northwest communities will now have access to a new mobile service that will help remove barriers to quality mental health and addictions supports. 

Comprised of a retrofitted ambulance, the new mobile unit will provide clients with direct access to education and supports with the ability to link people back to appropriate services in their local communities. The unit will also help to build the capacity of local primary and community care services to reduce pressure on local emergency departments and emergency services, while at the same time ensuring clients receive co-ordinated, holistic care.

“Meeting people where they’re at, with the services they need, when they need them is one of the innovative ways we are ensuring people living with mental health and addictions challenges have access to the supports they deserve,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “The mobile unit will be a lifeline for people in the Northwest, with services right in their own communities so they can find a unique pathway to healing, and a pathway to hope.”

Services provided through the mobile unit will include:

• mental health and substance-use services and referrals
• take home naloxone kits and training
• basic wound care
• assistance navigating resources for housing, finances, employment, health cards, dental and eye care

Supports offered through the unit will be assessed over time and changes may be made to scheduling and services to reflect the unique needs of people living with mental health and addictions challenges in the Northwest.

“Northern Health places a strong focus of ensuring care in the right place, addressing stigma and improving access to services,” said Colleen Nyce, Northern Health board chair. “This mobile unit helps support those goals by providing direct access, education and support to those people who may face barriers in access, and the ultimate intention is to link individuals back in to services within their community.”

The mobile unit will initially be scheduled for outreach in Terrace and surrounding communities starting in early April 2019. The new unit is part of the Specialized Community Service Program for Mental Health and Addictions in the Northwest Health Service Delivery Area.