Seeing a doctor can be difficult at the best of times anywhere in Canada, and the Yukon Territory is no different. Noting that many people who are homeless experience even more difficulty in seeking medical attention, two local health organizations decided to take action and spoke to The Salvation Army's Whitehorse Corps.

“Nurses from the Yukon Home Care Program and the Kwanlin Dun First Nation Health Centre approached us and said they wanted to open a nursing drop-in clinic that would be open to anybody, but specifically for people who live on the street and don't have access to basic medical care. They needed a place to do it and asked if they could use our space,” says Captain Jeff Howard, corps officer.

“I thought it was a great idea, it fit with a need that was in our community and because the clinic was to be in our church building, which is next door to our emergency shelter, it was a familiar space for people who most needed the care.”

The nursing clinic operates once a week out of the Whitehorse Corps building for four hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nurses meet patient's medical needs such as, dressing wounds, providing immunizations and giving foot care. Referrals, and even transportation, to further care is also provided when necessary.

The clinic operates over lunch, and so after receiving the required attention, patients can stop past the church's emergency shelter for a meal, as part of its daily feeding program.

“The nursing clinic has contributed to overall better health for our clients and an increased sense of dignity,” comments Captain Howard. “The community is also generally pleased that the government has taken the initiative and made this program happen.”