This item was pulled from the agenda for further community consultation.
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Two options are being considered by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) to provide health services to those living at encampments.
One option would be an on-site clinic trailer and the other a MobileCare bus, according to an information report going before council on Monday night.
CK's administration stated that the clinic trailer owned by the Chatham-Kent Community Health Centre could serve as a mobile clinic at an encampment location, offering primary healthcare from a Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Practical Nurse. It would also provide prescriptions, medical forms, mental health and addiction care, wound care, and primary care support from a community paramedic. Additionally, it would provide referrals to services by a Housing Stability Worker.
The clinic would reportedly cost $104,000 a year for two half-day clinics per week (3.5 hours each) and $206,000 per year for two full-day clinics per week (7 hours each).
The clinic would be a collaborative effort between the Canadian Mental Health Association, Reach Out Chatham Kent (R.O.C.K.), and Chatham-Kent Housing.
"Service partners and R.O.C.K. staff will work together to choose the dates and times that best meet the needs of the community. During these hours, R.O.C.K. staff will be on site to talk with people living at the encampment about the services available. They will also help build trust between service providers and the people using the services," said the municipality.
MobileCare is a mobile medical clinic operating across Chatham-Kent, providing free, walk-in access to primary healthcare, mental health care, and addictions support.
The estimated cost for the MobileCare bus is $11,500 for a half-day clinic, once per month (3.5 hours total) and $23,000 for a half-day clinic, twice per month (7 hours total).
It will also have staff from R.O.C.K. to help.
"To increase the level of service at the encampment, the MobileCare service could be funded to attend the encampment site for two half-day clinics per month, scheduled on Wednesdays when the bus is otherwise out of service. This would increase service availability without disrupting existing location commitments," CK staff wrote in the information report.
CK's administration said engaging individuals experiencing homelessness through traditional service models can present challenges because many don't have health cards or the ID necessary to obtain one, don't have a phone or address to receive appointment information, and feel stigmatized when they access care.
"By offering flexible services and meeting individuals where they are at, both physically and relationally, we may be able to build trust and improve service engagement with people living outdoors and in encampments," said staff. "It is difficult to determine the exact types of health and well-being services are needed at the encampment because these services are not currently provided on-site, apart from wound care offered during outreach."
CK's administration also noted that a greater level of support is needed for encampment dwellers, and over time, the proposed pilot programs could evaluate the level of need and exact types of services required.
On Monday night, CK Council will also vote on a motion made by Councillor Brock McGregor two weeks ago, asking for options to expand emergency and transitional/supportive housing in line with the predicted growth of individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.
A preliminary staff response estimates it would cost $40-50 million to expand current emergency housing availability, including an expansion of the cabin project.
A full report is expected by the end of the year.