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A winning approach

In June 2014, Doctors of the World Canada launched a Mobile Health Clinic to provide care to people experiencing homelessness in Montreal, QC. Since then, the Clinic has served nearly 2,500 people each year.

In collaboration with TELUS, Doctors of the World Canada conducted a needs assessment in Victoria, BC in 2016 to identify the gaps in access to healthcare for marginalized people.

Doctors of the World Canada met with institutions and community stakeholders, and conducted focus groups with people in precarious and vulnerable situations. Results indicated that, with our approach and expertise, we could make a significant contribution to the initiatives already in action.

The community workers and organisations we met in Victoria were very open to the approach of Doctors of the World and demonstrated great potential for collaboration.

The needs of marginalized people in Victoria

Doctors of the World Canada conducted a needs assessment in September 2016 in Victoria BC. Findings showed that people who urgently needed support for healthcare services included:

• People with substance use disorder
• People experiencing homelessness
• Indigenous population
• Sex workers

In the context of the province facing a shortage of health care professionals, these marginalized groups face additional challenges when accessing the public health system. Focus groups conducted during the  need assessment highlight the lack of culturally and ethnically sensitivity of the public system health providers, posing a significant barrier to marginalized people reaching out for services.

We’re recruiting volunteers

We are seeking physicians and people with a range of expertise to volunteer on board the Mobile Health Clinic.

To become a volunteer, you must first attend an information session.

To find out when the next information session will be, please fill out the form by clicking on the link below. Our volunteer manager will then contact you via email with more information.

Why a Mobile Clinic in Victoria? The situation

• In April 2016, the British Columbia Official Health Officer declared a public health emergency, due to the rise in drug overdoses and related deaths.
• Victoria has experienced the highest number of deaths due to illicit drugs overdose in B.C. Over the last two years.
• This alarming situation, in addition to dealing with the Tent City Movement, is overwhelming for the respective provincial and municipal authorities.
• Governments and local agencies are receptive to solve these issues at multiple levels. The city of Victoria and the Vancouver Island Health Authority hope to find new ways to deal with these urgent issues.

The answer: outreach

• Considering challenges faced by marginalized and vulnerable populations in accessing health care services, Doctors of the World Mobile Health Clinic is a significant move to reach out in a time and location where it is most needed.

In line with BC province health measures and their strategic plan, the Doctors of the World Mobile Health Clinic will go to areas where there are gaps in services and where the most vulnerable populations are found.

Offer your support

By making a donation, you contribute to the Mobile Health Clinic in Victoria, BC providing our most marginalized community members with access to healthcare.

About our partnership with Telus

• Since the beginning of the Mobile Health Clinic was enriched by the extraordinary expertise from TELUS and TELUS Health. Telus shares our passion for innovation, striving for flexibility to respond better to populations faced by multiple challenges.
• The Mobile Health Clinics are equipped with electronic medical record (EMR) technology and TELUS LTE Wi-Fi network technology to assist onboard healthcare providers in delivering immediate and quality care.
• The vehicles include an examination area, a computer workstation for healthcare providers, and a consultation area.
• This partnership now unites the mission of commitment and social responsibility of TELUS to the mission Doctors of the World. TELUS has become our most important
  technological, financial and logistic partner.

QUESTIONS?

Please email the Volunteer & Logistics Manager (Victoria, BC) at tina.price@doctorsoftheworld.ca