Fraser Health's Integrated Homelessness Response Team serves communities north of the Fraser River.
A nondescript white-panel van delivers relief supplies to homeless residents in the Tri-Cities of Burnaby, New Westminster, and Maple Ridge.
Sometimes it can save lives.
On Thursday, March 14, medical professionals from the Fraser Health Integrated Homelessness Response Team (IHART) were called to the scene after a man overdosed on the sidewalk while visiting the 3030 Gordon Shelter in Coquitlam.
Concerned fellow residents gathered around the man and tried to coax him awake, then a registered nurse and a registered nurse administered naloxone and called emergency services. After several tense moments, he reacted and sat up. After a few minutes, he left, going about his day.
The IHART program has been in place since 2022 and has been bringing a suite of healthcare, mental health and support services to the streets in vans since January.
Paolo Palomar, the program's coordinator, said the idea is to lower barriers to accessing health care for people who would otherwise not have access to it.
The mobile team, which operates five days a week, is comprised of nurses, clinicians, as well as peer support, outreach and social workers.
“We can provide comprehensive support,” Palomar said.
In some cases, it also means handing out requests for blood tests. In some cases, it may be necessary to clean and change the infection or provide counseling. Sometimes it's just handing out hot coffee.
“We try not to say 'no' to people who need help,” Palomar said.
The IHART team will visit homeless camps, shelters and church parking lots in the northern communities of the Fraser Health District, while the second team will assist eastern communities including Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope. The service will also be extended to Surrey.
Palomar said the vans are on a regular schedule and customers can anticipate their visits.
It also helps build trust, he added.
Twice a month, the team offers special foot care clinics, as homeless people often suffer from a condition called “streetfoot” due to wet shoes and socks from rain or snow.
Sherif Amara, director of clinical operations at Fraser Health, said front-line care could help alleviate chronic health disparities experienced by homeless people.
“The van provides an additional tool to bring even more consideration to these remote, remote environments.”
Sometimes, Palomar said, it can be a stepping stone to more comprehensive care and, in some cases, the beginning of a journey off the streets.
“We're trying to bridge the gap,” he said.
