COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE THROUGH A MOBILE MEDICAL CLINIC
The need to reach out and help people where they are at – including those living on the street – is greater now than it has ever been. The City of Oshawa Improvement Initiative is launching medical services through clinic time as well as a mobile outreach unit to provide street-level nursing and counselling to vulnerable people in our community who may be struggling with homelessness, poverty, addictions and mental illness. COII strives to walk alongside and offer support to those who often face insurmountable barriers to accessing basic health care.
The number of people living in poverty or struggling with food insecurity, suffering with addictions and mental health illnesses, has increased. We are seeing more opiate overdoses and desperation than ever before during the COVID-19 crisis. The City of Oshawa Improvement Initiative Mobile Medical Clinic is a new approach to growing challenges and a means to provide care and support to those living on the street that may not access traditional care supports.
Clinic time:
Every other Friday at 236 Bloor Street East Oshawa from 4-6 pm.
Mobile Outreach:
Every other Monday to local communities from 5-7 pm.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAMS
Engaging our children and youth through sports, art, creativity, media and youth events is our priority at COII. Creating a safe environment where youth can come together, be accepted and cared for and learn valuable skills and relationship development that will prepare them to grow into healthy and strong community members. COII understands the importance of bridging with the next generation by giving them a voice and preparing them to contribute to their local communities.
FREE SUPPORT FOR SINGLE AND YOUNG MOMS
COII recognizes that there unique and distinct challenges for young or single moms trying to navigate through the struggles of life. Through virtual and in person support groups, parenting classes, cooking classes and 1:1 parenting support, COII longs to mitigate the challenges associated with motherhood for this community.
FREE SENIOR SUPPORTS
The City of Oshawa Improvement Initiative understands that there are gaps in services provided to our seniors and recognizes the vulnerability of those individuals as a result. Seniors deserve care and support that will enable them to remain in their home while maintaining their health, wellness and independence. COII, through supportive activities such as grocery shopping, errand running, light housekeeping and cooking as well as yardwork will help seniors to live well at home.
ENGAGEMENT WITH RACIALIZED COMMUNITIES
COII will engage with black youth and families and other racialized individuals to promote and enhance their strengths and collaborate with families and individuals to build community capacity for systemic change. As set out by the government of Ontario, The Black Youth Action Plan (https://www.ontario.ca/page/black-youth-action-plan) identifies inclusivity and conscious cultural awareness as means to promote and enhance the concept of the sense of belonging to a group.
OCII, through educational and vocational support training, youth drop in, and seminars will empower black individuals and support them within their community.