Low-income residents will finally have access to health services with the opening of the Healing Place, the first of its kind in northern B.C
The Fort St John Women’s Resource Society announced the launch of the free nurse practitioner drop-in clinic offering weekly services on 96 Avenue.
Eligible residents can seek non-urgent medical care at the clinic on a walk-in, first-come-first-serve basis, with medical staff available to perform assessments and treatments for ailments.
“We’ve listened to our clients, and we knew this kind of accessible care was urgently needed,” said executive director of Fort St John’s women’s society, Amanda Trotter.
To qualify for the free clinic, patients must be considered low income, meaning they earn less than $42,000 a year. For every child the patient has, they can add $2,000 to the cap.
A nurse practitioner from Northern Health’s Primary Care Clinic will spearhead the program, able to conduct STI testing and provide treatment. They will also provide women’s health services – including birth control management, prenatal care, pap tests and more.
“It’s been years in the making, and thanks to the commitment of our partners, it’s finally a reality. We’re proud to offer this essential service in a safe and welcoming environment,” Trotter said.
Services are expected to be available every Tuesday, except Remembrance Day, November 11, and the last Tuesday of the year, December 30.
The scheduled time will vary from week to week, so check the women’s society media page and flyers around the Healing Place.
