Sanguen’s Community Health Van
The Van is on Facebook! Click here to check out our page – we update it frequently!
Why A Community Health Van?
For many years, Sanguen has worked with people who have, or who are at-risk of, Hepatitis C. While doing this work, we’ve recognized one really important fact: people can’t focus on their health if they have other, bigger, important needs.
There are many agencies in the Waterloo region doing incredible work to meet those needs – but for people who aren’t already engaged with those agencies, or who experience barriers to accessing those services, things are much harder.
The Van, working in partnership with some amazing people, brings those necessary services to anyone who requires them.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: people are thrilled to see us each week and they continue to spread the word. We know that when we reduce the barriers that stand between people and good health, every member of our community benefits.
The Van Schedule.
The van operates in Kitchener from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Thursday nights.
The Van operates in Cambridge from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Friday nights. Home deliveries may be available by request in Cambridge, Kitchener, or Waterloo, with 24 hours’ notice, following the regularly scheduled Cambridge stops.
On nights when The Van is on the road in Kitchener or in Cambridge, you can call or text 519-591-4826 to get an update on our location.
What’s Available On The Van?
- snacks and drinks
- clothing
- hygiene products
- referrals to community agencies and supports
- supportive counselling
- testing for Hepatitis C and HIV and some STIs
- pregnancy testing
- emergency contraception
- nursing services, including vein and wound care
- harm reduction supplies and information
- condoms and lube (including latex-free)
- Naloxone (“narcan”) kits / overdose prevention training
- pick-ups for filled sharps containers (please do not throw them out!)
** Some supplies and services are dependent on stock/availability and staffing.
Many of the items on The Van have been generously donated by individuals in our community – and we are so grateful for their help!
We Need Your Support.
Community support is crucial to the success of The Van. As a registered charity, Sanguen will provide a tax receipt for your donations.
You can donate to The Van through Canada Helps – just select “Outreach Van Project” from the drop-down menu. If you prefer, you can donate by cheque or cash at our Waterloo office.
We also accept donations of specific items that we need for The Van. Click here for a frequently updated list in pdf format.
We are currently seeking summer clothing (shirts, shorts, shoes, etc.) that is clean and ready to distribute in the community! We are also in need of bottled water, juice boxes, and other items that can help keep people hydrated when outdoors in the hot weather.
If you work for an agency or group that offers services or supports, and you’d like to be part of The Van project, we’d love to hear from you! Email our Manager of Outreach, Violet (violet@sanguen.com) or call/text her at 519-574-7222.
Individuals who would like to help put together kits (snacks, hygiene, harm reduction, etc.) are invited to come to our Kit Group on Monday afternoons (2pm to 4pm) at 140 Weber Street East, Suite 3 (“The Community Room”) in Kitchener. For more information, email Simone (simone@sanguen.com).
Contact Us.
The phone number for clients to use when contacting the van is 519-591-4826 This number can be called or texted.
Questions about The Van project can be directed to our Outreach Manager, Violet Umanetz, who can be reached at 519-574-7222 or by email violet@sanguen.com.
For more general information, please contact Sanguen Health Centre at 519-603-0223 or by email at info@sanguen.com
Partners and Supporters!
Green Shield Canada’s Community Giving Program provides financial support for The Van. We are so grateful for their help!
Our partnership with Region of Waterloo Public Health allows us to provide additional services to our community. A Public Health Nurse is available on The Van on Thursday evenings to assist with health outreach.
Cambridge Self Help Foodbank and Prime Care Pharmacy Aboretum have supported The Van since our launch in December of 2015. We are so grateful for their ongoing assistance that allows our team to help people across Waterloo region!
