The popular Nanaimo Youth Wellness Centre moved to the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre from NDSS in July. The unique program builds relationships with youth who likely wouldn't otherwise access primary care. (Island Health)

By Ian Holmes

youth care

Upgraded wellness centre targets disconnect between youth and medical care

Oct 31, 2019 | 11:59 AM

NANAIMO — A unique health and wellness centre for youth has evolved to help a broader range of the community.

The Nanaimo Youth Wellness Centre serves roughly 80 to 100 students monthly at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, accessing a wide range of medical services.

Island Health program coordinator for public health Erin Kenning said the NDSS location is staffed by a physician, nurse and counsellor.

The facility accepts people up to the age of 25 from all over the mid island.

“The population of young adults and youth definitely have less engagement with primary care and physicians,” Kenning told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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Kenning said the young people they serve appreciate getting physical and mental health aid in a place were they’re comfortable, cared for and respected.

The centre moved in July from NDSS which allowed services to be offered more freely outside of school hours.

It’s modelled after the first school-based health and wellness service in B.C. launched at John Barsby Secondary in 2015.

As many as 200 students attend the John Barsby venue, which Kenning said showed measurable improved outcomes.

Kenning said Nanaimo’s popular school based healthcare model hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“There’s been a lot of interest and follow-up from a lot of areas across B.C. and across Canada in the work that we’re doing here.”

Kenning credited the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools in joining Island Health to lead the way in establishing a larger, more comfortable care facility at the aquatic centre.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes