Released 26/04/2023
A new purpose-built mobile health clinic will help deliver targeted healthcare for young people experiencing adversity around the ACT.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the van, funded by the ACT Government and operated by Junction Youth Health Services, will provide a free and flexible service to young Canberrans who face barriers in accessing healthcare.
“With this new mobile clinic, we are ensuring young Canberrans who are experiencing or facing homelessness, vulnerabilities and isolation from the general community can access crucial healthcare services.
“We have also heard from young people that they value health services that are safe, warm and young person centred and that these services include healthcare workers who are empathetic and conscious of experience and identity, whether related to sexuality, gender or cultural background.
Staffed by clinicians and youth workers, the health van will deliver wrap-around services for young people, including primary healthcare, mental health support, STI management and smoking cessation support.
The van will also partner with Directions Health Services to deliver additional referral services which cannot be undertaken in the mobile clinic.
“It is crucial that young people have access to comprehensive primary healthcare no matter their circumstances,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
Junction Youth Health Services received $210,000 in funding to establish the mobile clinic through the ACT Government’s Delivering Better Care for Canberrans with Complex Needs in General Practice Grants Program, which was also supported by the Capital Health Network.
Quotes attributable to Anglicare’s manager of youth, family and health services Sarah Murdoch:
“Anglicare would like to thank ACT Health for the ongoing commitment and support to vulnerable young people in receiving vital health care. The Junction Youth Health Outreach van will visit locations across the ACT and will allow easy access for young people, and will include clinicians and youth workers who will provide access to safe medical treatment. We want to make health access as easy as possible, especially for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and who have experienced trauma.”
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases