The
Rotary Club of Toronto Health Bus – operated by Sherbourne Health Centre -
delivers mobile on-the-spot nursing care to homeless and underhoused individuals
in southeastToronto.
The
Rotary Club of Toronto Health Bus – operated by Sherbourne Health Centre -
delivers mobile on-the-spot nursing care to homeless and underhoused individuals
in southeastToronto.
Operating on a fixed weekly schedule,
the Health Bus makes regular stops during days and evenings at a number of
community locations.
Teamed with program staff, volunteer nurses deliver health services to over 2000
people each month.
On September 20, 2002, the Health Bus program – initiated by the Wellesley Central Health Corporation and The Rotary Club of Toronto was officially transferred to Sherbourne Health Centre. Since that time, the program has grown steadily providing much needed health care services to people who often cannot access health services elsewhere.
Sometimes it's difficult for some members of the community to get to health care. There may be a variety of reasons such as homelessness, lack of an Ontario Health card, lack of transportation, or fear and negative past experiences the health care system.
The Health Bus reduces these barriers because it goes to the people – making regular stops at local shelters, drop-in centres, community centers, and Out of the Cold locations. There is no need to make an appointment, get a referral or present an Ontario Health card to obtain health services. The Health Bus meets people where they are, offers a point of entry to health care services, and provides on-the-spot care and health education.
This valued program owes much of its success to program staff and over 50 nurse volunteers who dedicate countless hours to the Health Bus program. They make a difference by supporting people who have concerns about their health, listening to their stories, and guiding them down a clearer path in a complex health care system.
Our partner agencies also contribute greatly to the success of this program. We are proud to work with over 14 community agencies to co-ordinate weekly Health Bus stops, programming, and services.
The Health Bus Program has grown steadily over the last few years and demand for services continues to grow. On average, we serve 20 – 100 people at each stop, which usually takes close to two hours. In 2005, the program served over 19,0000 individuals.
We are therefore excited about the upcoming launch of our two new Health Buses – generously funded by The Rotary Club of Toronto and The Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI).
The new buses will replace the existing aging bus, allowing us to deliver more reliable services to a greater number of people.
Health Care for the Homeless and Underhoused