TELUS, in partnership with ASK Wellness Society, has launched a new mobile health clinic in British Columbia. The clinic, part of TELUS’ expanded Health for Good program, will provide primary healthcare and harm reduction services to people experiencing homelessness in the BC Interior.
This expansion comes at a critical time, as Kamloops, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, faces a significant crisis. The city has one of the highest rates of fatal overdoses per capita in British Columbia, driven by the toxic drug supply crisis, a surge in homelessness, and pressure on the healthcare system.
The ASK Wellness Mobile Health Clinic, powered by TELUS Health, is poised to address these urgent needs. Equipped with TELUS Wi-Fi connectivity and Collaborative Health Records (CHR), the clinic will provide continuity of care for patients, allowing healthcare providers to access and store vital medical information. The clinic’s design, featuring two main areas for patient reception and consultation as well as a private examination area, ensures patients receive care with dignity and respect.
This initiative is part of TELUS’ commitment to expand its Health for Good program to over $16 million through 2027. The program aims to ensure every Canadian, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to healthcare and social support services when and where they need them.
Since its inception in 2014, TELUS Health for Good has supported over 240,000 patient visits across 27 Canadian communities. The program offers a range of services, including free counselling sessions for women facing marginalization and subsidized access to technology for low-income seniors.
ASK Wellness Society, established in 1992, has been a vital provider of healthcare services to the Kamloops community. The organization recognized the need to address housing challenges before individuals could focus on their health, leading to the development of Housing First initiatives.
This new partnership signifies a crucial step towards improving the well-being of vulnerable communities in British Columbia. By bringing healthcare directly to those in need, the mobile clinic will remove common barriers to access and ultimately improve health outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness. The initiative exemplifies TELUS’ commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to build stronger, healthier communities across Canada.
