Public health nurses will roam the Nanaimo area in a van beginning this fall, offering information and immunizations to youths.
In a press release, Island Health said the van, provided by the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation, will service the Nanaimo-Ladysmith area and is intended to reduce barriers to allow youths to access care. It will provide mobile service for youth wellness and offer sexual health information, birth control, testing for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, immunizations, harm reduction and mental health and substance use supports. In addition, referrals to other health providers for youths up to age 25 years old will be provided, the press release said.
Esther Pace, public health manager for Nanaimo, said it is important to remove barriers in order to allow youths access to care.
