Mobile health team expands care in uptown Saint John

People in uptown Saint John who are living without stable housing now have a new source of support.

The provincial government has launched a mobile health‑care team that brings services directly to them.

The team works in pairs and travels to shelters, encampments and community organizations to offer primary care, mental health support and help navigating health and housing systems, according to a government release.

The stops include Avenue B Harm Reduction, PULSE, Romero House, city‑owned transitional housing “green zones,” Outflow Ministry’s shelter, the Salvation Army, Somerset ACRES, St. John’s Anglican Church, the Coverdale Centre for Women and Rose House.

Health Minister John Dornan said the team is providing essential support in the community.

“This multidisciplinary health‑care team is doing excellent and much‑needed work,” Dornan said in a government release.

“When care approaches are tailored to the needs of different populations and communities, care is more effective and can lead to better health outcomes.”

The team includes two licensed practical nurses, a registered nurse, two human service counsellors, a social worker who also serves as clinical co‑ordinator, and an administrative assistant.

Recruitment is underway for a part‑time nurse practitioner.

A part‑time nurse practitioner and a registered nurse from the Centre for Research, Education and Clinical Care of At‑Risk Populations are also supporting the work.

The province said the service aligns with the health plan “Caring for New Brunswick“, which identifies primary care and mental health and addictions as priority areas.

The plan aims to improve access to primary‑care services and ensure people with mental health concerns or recovering from substance use receive effective support.

Justice Minister Robert McKee, who is responsible for addictions and mental health services, highlighted the importance of integrated care.

“Addiction and mental health services need to be accessible, compassionate and fully integrated, with a focus on the whole person,” McKee said.

He added that the team is helping people receive coordinated support as they work toward recovery.

The team has also contributed to efforts by community partners and government services to help people secure housing, according to a government release.

David Hickey, the minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation, said the service is making a visible difference.

“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.”

The province provided about $394,000 to Horizon Health Network to establish the team.

Susan Neal, Horizon’s director of primary care in Saint John, said the team is reaching people who often face barriers to care.

“Our health‑care co‑ordination team meets people where they are: in shelters, encampment sites and other community‑based settings,” Neal said.

“By showing up consistently, the team provides compassionate, barrier‑free health care to individuals who may otherwise face challenges accessing services.”