Health on the Move in the North Zone

Mobile health van provides increased access to healthcare services & information

FORT McMURRAY– A new Alberta Health Services (AHS) mobile health van has launched in the North Zone, providing residents with increased access to an array of health services, information and resources.

The van, operating with the tagline Health on the Move, has capacity to offer immunizations, cancer screenings (oral, prostate and cervical), Early Childhood Intervention Program assessments, oral health assessments for children and vulnerable populations, and health promotion education/resources.

“We’re extremely excited to bring Health on the Move to residents in the North Zone. In launching the van, we’re now able to reach more residents in rural and remote areas with the health services and care that they need,” says Jennifer Splaine, Area Manager, Population and Public Health, Fort McMurray.

The van is made possible through a generous donation from the Suncor Energy Foundation (SEF). The SEF donated $110,000 to the Northern Lights Health Foundation (NLHF) for the purchase and outfitting of the unit for the AHS North Zone Population and Public Health team.

Residents will easily spot AHS’ blue and green brand colours on the van. The phrase Health on the Move is also visible on the driver and passenger sides, and on the roof. The unit also acknowledges First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and both supporting charitable foundations through logo placement.

“The van can be used for point of care services, health promotion activities and initiatives, or even at community events and celebrations,” notes Splaine.

The van hit the road in early June; first providing services in Janvier and Conklin. In mid-June, it was then set up in Paddle Prairie to provide mental health services and resources for residents re-entering the community after being evacuated due to a nearby wildfire.

Kevin Smeltzer, a health promotion facilitator in High Level, says the van will benefit residents.

“I’m really excited about the health promotion work that our AHS teams will be able to do with it. We’re going to be able to provide an array of valuable health promotion services and resources to more residents,” says Smeltzer.

“When the van was used in Paddle Prairie, particularly in a time of need, residents were able to access the health services they needed, when they needed them. There’s so many different opportunities and benefits in using the van.”

With space for a driver and passenger, the van can be booked and used by any North Zone AHS department. The van is already outfitted with an examination bed, stool, desk area and cabinets. Each AHS department is responsible for outfitting it with additional materials and resources.

“We’re eager to see the positive impacts the mobile health unit will have in the North Zone, particularly in being able to offer increased access to excellent healthcare services for residents,” says Cindy Amerongen, NLHF Executive Director.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the generous and thoughtful donation from the Suncor Energy Foundation. We thank them once again for supporting healthcare in the region.”

AHS departments across the zone are currently booking the van for activities in their areas. The van will be appearing at summer events across the North Zone in the coming weeks.

“I encourage residents to watch for the van set up in their community soon,” adds Splaine.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.