A new clinical mobile outreach van is coming to Cranbrook, bringing important health and support services directly to people in need.

This is a big step forward in supporting the work of first responders, healthcare professionals, and community organizations dealing with the ongoing impacts of the toxic drug crisis and related social challenges.

This project is made possible thanks to over $1.3 million from Health Canada and the Government of Canada through the Emergency Treatment Fund. The grant will help launch a new clinical mobile outreach van and support several targeted local initiatives including a mobile drug-checking and outreach unit, naloxone training and education, and expanded peer support services.

These services will be delivered by various non-profit and social agencies that are part of the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness, to reduce overdose fatalities, strengthen local emergency response, and enhance community-wide awareness and support systems.

“On behalf of council, I want to thank Health Canada and the Government of Canada for recognizing the real challenges we’re facing here in Cranbrook,” said Mayor Wayne Price. “This is an important and much-needed step in easing the growing pressures faced daily by our first responders, emergency room staff, and community support teams.”

“The collective commitment demonstrated by the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness has been truly inspiring,” said Marcel Germer, Social Development Coordinator. “The shared identification of key priorities and solutions was integral to a strong application and will improve not only service delivery, but the overall resiliency of Cranbrook’s emergency response and support systems.”

This is the first time the City of Cranbrook has received grant funding from Health Canada and will be pivotal in strengthening the collaboration between the city and many community service providers. It represents the commitment to creating real and lasting change in Cranbrook and throughout the region.

This project will immediately strengthen the social network by expanding capacity and moving essential services out of the office and into the community.

Learn more about Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund here.

City of Cranbrook

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