M E R C E D E S FAW N S
P H OT O G R A P H Y:
COURTESY OF
A L B E R TA H E A LT H
SERVICES
MAKING AN
The city of
Lethbridge is one of three
Canadian cities involved
in a five-year international
research project that aims
to create sustainable
models of access to primary
health care for vulnerable
populations. The team here
has taken an innovative
approach through its Pop-
Up Health and Community
Services Events, which
are showing some very
successful results.
IMPACT
THERE
ARE VULNERABLE
P O P U L AT I O N S throughout
Canada, and indeed around the world, that have
limited to no access to primary health care services, and
Lethbridge’s population is no exception.
Primary health care services are the broad range of services that are offered
beyond traditional and basic health care services, and include mental health care,
addictions counselling, housing, fitness, social services, and so much more. Access
to these services is important for individuals to lead healthy and balanced lives.
According to a 2016 Statistics Canada study, 29 per cent of Canadians reported
difficulties accessing health services in their area. “The evidence is becoming very
clear that we need to support people in our communities. It’s not just health
services, it’s support services, social services, educational supports, dental services–
it’s the whole gamut of things that people need to maintain their health,” says
Shannon Spenceley, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of
Lethbridge.
However, what factors impact how or whether an individual will even seek access
to primary health care and services? Past experiences, access to transportation,
and even literacy rate can play a part in a person’s decision to access services. And
then there are the qualities of the care provider to take into consideration: are staff
friendly and welcoming, are there any fees, and how far away is the provider?
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