Working collectively to support the healthcare system

We are experiencing an anticipated severe respiratory virus season with more cases of coughs and fever being reported around the province. The homeless population in our community is not immune to this latest round of transmission and we need to continue to take proactive measures to provide these individuals and families with the care and support they need to, hopefully, stay out of the acute care system.?

CUPS is actively working to expand the impact and care we can provide through our latest capital project. With this new renovation to our building on 10th Avenue, we are going to have five more primary care clinic spaces and an additional five rooms for mental health support as well. This expanded clinic will allow us to extend our hours and proactively provide the care people need in the moment they need it most.?

But we don’t operate in a silo and the impact of this project has tentacles that reach beyond the individual receiving care and into the sector as a whole.?

Our expanded space will allow us to take in more mental health patients. We’ll be able to provide primary care for more individuals. Not only will it reduce the pressure off the acute care system, but it will allow our partners to focus on some of their other preventative health programs, knowing that CUPS has capacity to support primary health care needs for the vulnerable population.?

In collaboration with partners such as @thealexchc there is a combined effort of systems to provide addictions treatment, mental health support and primary health care for individuals both young and old. Collectively these initiatives take pressure off shelter programs and provide care and support for those who are struggling.

Part of being a strong community is working together. We don’t make decisions in isolation, nor do we make strategic plans in a vacuum. Together we are planning and sharing with our partners what we are doing in the next five years and asking them for the same. What are you doing? How can we adjust to fill any gaps across our areas of support??

Through research, advocacy, policy and partnerships we can come together to touch all areas of support and service for the low income population, united with a common sense that by supporting those who are vulnerable, we will become a stronger community together.?

To learn more about the CUPS Expanding Impact campaign and to donate, click here.