As of April 27th 2009, Dawn to Dawn launched a crucial support service to individuals who are homeless and those at-risk in the Comox Valley-the CARE-A-VAN mobile healthcare unit. Our objective is to improve access to various healthcare and social services to these individuals who cannot or will not go to fixed-site clinics.

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The CARE-A-VAN operates from a purposely converted motor. The use of the vehicle is  donated by Mr. Barry Willis of Sunwest RV Centre. The mobile vehicle was converted by the volunteer staff from Sunwest Auto and Sunwest RV. The Mobile Healthcare clinic provides healthcare services directly to the streets, serving the hardest to reach individuals.

The program builds bridges with individuals who are often without resources or advocates. This approach has the added benefit of cost containment-providing less expensive primary care alternatives than emergency rooms.

Our Mobile Healthcare clinic operates in the evening hours at various locations throughout the community often represents the first and sometimes the ONLY healthcare provider that a homeless individual may see.

Initial service is directed to the Courtenay-Comox area. To date, 16 healthcare practitioners are volunteering to staff the mobile clinic, 11 nurses, 2 physicians, a nurse practitioner and 2 pharmacists. The drivers are skilled outreach workers in the field of mental health and addictions.

If you would like to support the activities of Dawn to Dawn please mail your cheque to Unit 6C-821 Shamrock, Comox. V9M 3P6.

MAJOR FUNDERS OF THE CARE-A-VAN PROJECT

BARRY WILLIS AND SUNWEST RV AND AUTO
ANONYMOUS DONOR
COMOX VALLEY FOUNDATION
COMOX ROTARY CLUB
SALVATION ARMY

DONORS TO THE CARE-A-VAN PROJECT

COAST COUNTRY INSURANCE
LIVING ROOM PHARMACY
CUMBERLAND REGIONAL LAUNDRY SERVICES SOCIETY
NEIL HAVERS DESIGN
LORDCO AUTO PARTS
GRANT FLOORS
VAN ISLE WINDOWS AND DOORS
UPPER ISLAND MOTORS
SEVEN GROUP
COTTAGE MEDICAL

CARE-A-VAN CONTACT

Helen Boyd
Field of Expertise: Nursing and Mental Health & Addictions
dawntodawn@telus.net