CMHA York Region and South Simcoe community launch and celebration of Ontario’s first mobile health clinic for youth at King Campus

Toronto, May 4, 2015  – The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Seneca mark Mental Health Week (May 4 to 10) at Seneca’s King Campus by unveiling Ontario’s first roving comprehensive health clinic for youth.

The mobile clinic was developed by CMHA York and South Simcoe and has been named MOBYSS, for Mobile York South Simcoe (pronounced mo-bies). It will help youth overcome barriers to accessing all health services including mental, medical and sexual health by offering a welcoming, confidential and culturally appropriate service. The clinic – painted in graffiti-style graphics – will be on the road six days a week, reaching out to youth where they gather, such as malls, college campuses and skate parks. 

“Our greatest tragedy is the loss of young lives to mental illness, addiction and suicide,” said Rebecca Shields, Chief Executive Officer of CMHA York and South Simcoe. “We are excited about how this transformational clinic brings together a range of community services and partners to tackle barriers to helping youth in need. Simply making it easy for them to get in the door is a critical first step.”

The drop-in clinic is staffed with nurse practitioners, youth mental health workers and peer support counselors. The clinic can help youth with a broad range of concerns including if they are feeling down, anxious, dealing with drugs and alcohol, minor injuries or illness. The clinic provides assessments, counseling, suicide intervention, sexual health education, basic primary care, and medical screening. Partnerships with other agencies and local hospitals through the Ontario Telemedicine Network, will provide holistic support and seamlessly transition these young people to community services.

Click here to learn more! 

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