Alberta Health Services (AHS) is working to improve healthcare among the homeless population.
A nurse practitioner, registered nurse, registered psychiatric nurse, Indigenous liaison, recovery worker and administrative support are all members of the team that make up Street Connect.
Megan Thorne, manager of psychiatry at Northern Lights Regional Health Centre, said the Street Connect team will meet with clients where they feel comfortable and typically go to eat and sleep.
Among the services that will be provided are primary care, mental health and addictions support, sexual health education and pregnancy tests, and self-harm reduction.
Stacy Greening, Senior Operating Officer for Addiction and Mental Health in AHS North Zone, said they know the homeless population is at risk of slipping through the cracks.
“The team’s mission is to provide a holistic approach which ensures we partner with individuals and support them to live more independently and reduce their risk of becoming seriously ill or help them manage chronic conditions.”
She added that they’re also working to reduce the stigma and offer compassionate, reliable care.
Staff will partner will local agencies to identify those who might benefit.
For more information about the team or to start the referral process for a client, please call Gillian Stroud at 780-791-6194.
