THUNDER BAY — The Care Bus has returned to service in Thunder Bay, and will operate for the next four months.
In its inaugural season of operation, last March and April, the bus provided health and social supports to over 3,600 people.
NorWest Community Health Centres CEO Juanita Lawson says it's an innovative response to the needs of vulnerable members of the community, distributing harm reduction supplies, personal protective equipment and other items as well as having health and social support services available onboard.
The vehicle is a Nova model contracted from Kasper Transportation, and is the same model used by Thunder Bay Transit.
"This approach fits well into the comprehensive model of care that NorWest Community Health Centres offers," Lawson said, adding that the service wouldn't be possible without support from the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and the federal government's Reaching Home strategy aimed at reducing homelessness.
That program is managed locally by the Lakehead Social Planning Council.
Marie Klassen, executive director of the LSPC, said the partnerships in the project are an example of the "value of collective impact."
Indigenous Friendship Centre Executive Director Charlen Baglien said the bus makes the community a safer place..
The Care Bus will be in operation seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. until March 31, 2022.
It will transport clients to shelters or to medical and social support service locations.
The bus is staffed by two harm reduction outreach workers.
