New SOS van brings new meaning to mobile clinic

The SOS van allows outreach teams to offer services in downtown areas, rural locations, and remote encampments. It has been thoughtfully designed to create a warm and private environment that supports mental health counselling, harm reduction education, drug checking, addiction medicine, and primary care.

The van is divided into three separate rooms. There is a private counselling space, a primary care examination room, and a washroom. The van has lighting, secure storage cabinets, and internet access to support communication with partners and health care providers. A solar-powered electrical system allows the van to operate for several hours without external power, helping ensure reliable service in a wide range of locations.

“The new van will significantly improve how SOS delivers care outside of our regular clinic locations,” says Grey County Paramedic Chief Kevin McNab. “This mobile space allows our team to meet people where they are, in a private and supportive setting that respects their dignity. Creating trust and reducing barriers to care are central to the SOS program, and this van helps us do exactly that.”

The purchase and conversion of the Sprinter van were funded through a grant from Health Canada.

SOS provides care for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use issues, or difficulty accessing traditional health and social services. Operating seven days a week, the team delivers medical care, mental health support, harm reduction services, and help connecting to housing and other supports. By building trust and removing barriers to care, SOS helps prevent emergencies and connects people to ongoing support. 

SOS runs regular clinics across the county that are free to access with a mobile team available throughout the week. The program receives support and is fully funded by Health Canada and Ontario Health.

Services include:

• Medical care and mental health counselling
• Harm reduction education and supplies, including naloxone kits
• Drug checking services
• Addiction medicine and primary care
• Basic needs support such as food, clothing, and hygiene products
• Assistance with housing and service navigation
• Case management and follow-up support

The mobile team includes paramedics, a nurse practitioner, mental health counsellors, peer support workers, and social navigators.

For more information about the SOS program, visit www.grey.ca/sos.

-30-

For media inquiries contact Katrina Peredun, communications officer, at communications [at] grey.ca (communications[at]grey[dot]ca) or 519-370-7064.