Centre 105 keeps finding new ways to help vulnerable people in Cornwall, Ont. The latest innovation is a connection with a Mobile Clinic, a new service provided by the Cornwall Community Hospital partnering with Recovery Care.
When the van arrives at Centre 105 every Monday and Friday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, it brings an on-site nurse and addictions counsellor. The clinic offers on-site wound care, linkage to care, counselling and support, Narcan distribution, nicotine replacement and smoking cessation, Hepatitis C screening, education and treatment, as well as substance use assessment, support, education and treatment.
Taylor Seguin, Centre 105’s executive director, says he was very excited when he first heard about the possibility of the Mobile Clinic coming. “One of the most prominent challenges for the population that Centre 105 serves is that they have limited or no access to the services they need, including shelter, food, and of course, health care,” he said. “Our team often hears about the long wait times at the hospital, or the fear that some of our folks have, that they will catch COVID-19 if they go to the hospital. This new program, the Mobile Clinic, eliminates those challenges.”
“The response from our participants has been extremely positive,” said Seguin.
“I hate going to the hospital because it is always such a long wait. I’ve never really liked hospitals,” said Rick, who visits Centre 105’s drop-in centre. “Whenever I heard about this van that had a nurse, I liked that I could get help, right after having breakfast. The nurse looked at my leg and helped me out. I will definitely stop again if I have other stuff going on.”
Seguin praised the Mobile Clinic’s staff. “Mel and Jimmy have been amazing. We are so grateful to be able to offer this service to those visiting 105.”
Deanery of East Ontario — Church of the Nativity, L’Orignal