Madam Speaker, last week I had the honour to celebrate with my community the first year of service of the community health van at the Guelph Community Health Centre, which is also home to the overdose prevention site championed by executive director Raechelle Devereaux. The services provided by the community health van and the overdose prevention site are making a meaningful impact on the lives of my constituents.
Since its October 5, 2017, launch, the project has had a total of 3,751 visits. The community health van works with the most vulnerable in our community, reaching out to those experiencing homelessness, struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues, or living in poverty and those with physical health concerns. I was truly humbled by the team of volunteers and staff, led by Colin McVicker of the Sanguen Health Centre, that works through the night to ensure access to treatment that may not otherwise reach those being served by this team.
In Guelph, we are reducing stigma and engaging with the most vulnerable in our community to ensure prevention and access to care.