Our Waterloo Region Community Health Van

For many years, Sanguen Health Centre has worked with people who are living with or at risk of contracting Hepatitis C. As an organization we were aware that community health outreach is one of the most effective strategies to engage with people who live ‘outside’ of the system, who are marginalized, chronically poor, homeless or at risk of homelessness and who use substances. Creating the ability to go out and meet people where they are at really decreases barriers faced in accessing services, and builds relationship of trust and respect that translates immediately into better whole health outcomes. The model of a mobile community health van just made sense for Sanguen and the work we wanted to accomplish, and so the long road to acquire community partners and funding began.  

The Waterloo Region Community Health Van was launched in 2015, and services have grown through partnerships with the Region of Waterloo and the TELUS HEALTH FOR GOOD Program. The ‘Van’ services Kitchener and Cambridge and makes different stops throughout these cities. Our interdisciplinary team staffs the Van, and connects community members with harm reduction supplies, such as new drug gear, needle exchange, condoms, etc; naloxone training and distribution; food, clothing, hygiene items, nursing, peer and social supports. 

The Community Health Van works in close collaboration and partnership with so many other excellent services, strengthening the services offered to our community members.  

 

Nursing Care Announcement:

The Health Van is staffed by an interdisciplinary and multi-agency team made up of a Harm Reduction coordinator, Peer Support Coordinator, Registered Nurse, Social Support Coordinator, Peer workers, and a Harm Reduction Nurse. In addition, on our Waterloo Van people can receive nursing support providing wound care, vaccines, testing for HIV, Hep C and STBBIs, etc. On the Van, nurses are also able to offer HIV take home testing.

Important Update

We can pick up donations, however, we are still not doing home deliveries for harm reduction.

Van Schedule

  • Monday
    Kitchener
  • – The Healing of the Seven Generations (10:30am-10:50am)

    – KW Urban Native Transitional Housing (11:00am-11:30am)

  • Tuesday
    Cambridge
  • – Preston Kiwanis Building 1195 King St East (2:30pm-3:20pm)

    – Cambridge Foodbank Parking lot (3:30pm-4:30pm)

  • Wednesday
    Kitchener
  • -100 Victoria Street Encampment (11:30-12:20pm)

    – 1470 Block Line Rd. Women’s Supportive Housing (12:30pm-1:20pm)

    – Mayflower Motel (1:30pm-3:00pm)

  • Thursday
    Kitchener
  • – A Better Tent City (1:00pm-2:00pm)

    – Weber Inn (5:00pm-5:50pm)

    – King St Shelter (6:00pm-6:50pm)

    – Ray of Hope (7:00pm-8:00pm)

  • Friday
  • No Service

Please Note: The KW Van is not running Dec 25 & 26 and January 1st but is otherwise the regular schedule.
We are still not doing home deliveries for harm reduction.
On nights when The Van is out you can call or text 519-591-4826 to get an update on our location.

What Do The Vans Carry?

  • Emergency Contraception

  • Nursing Services & Vein And Wound Care

  • Harm Reduction Supplies And Information

  • Condoms & Lubricants (including latex free)

  • Naloxone Kits & Overdose Prevention Training

  • Sharps Containers Pickups

  • Snacks & Drinks

  • Clothing

  • Hygiene Products

  • Referrals to community agencies

  • Supportive Counseling

  • Hepatitis, H.I.V. and STI testing

  • Pregnancy Testing

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 various ways through our Donations Page
  • If you’d like to donate food, clothing, hygiene, or other items, or if you work for an agency or group that offers services or supports, and you’d like to be part of The Van project,please contact our Van Coordinator to find out our current needs.

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