Reaching out to vulnerable residents of the downtown core was the name of the game at the UFV Health and Wellness fair Monday at Vineyard Community Centre.
University students were handing out pizza, naloxone kits, toothbrushes, foot care, as well as information and referral to local services and more.
“The fair is located in an area in Chilliwack where we’re trying to reach a population that could be considered vulnerable for a variety of reasons, maybe they use substances, maybe they have mental health issues, or maybe they’re living in poverty or homelessness,” said Bethany Jeal, assistant professor, registered nursing program, whose field of expertise is mental health and addictions.
READ MORE: Last year’s event at 5 corners
“Decreasing stigma” about drug use, especially in the face of a global Fentanyl crisis, was part of the aim of the event, which was organized by the UFV students.
But how do you reduce stigma? Part of it was demonstrating how to administer the anti-overdose medication known as naloxone under the brand-name Narcan.
“We interact with them, talk to them, and tell them about the current situation,” said Jeal, adding that about 80 per cent of those dying from overdose deaths were people who used alone.
Since they are finding fentanyl mixed in heroin and other street drugs the message is that there is a crisis going on, and that overdoses can be prevented or reversed.
Students from nursing, library and information technology, kinesiology and dental, along with community partners participated in the fair.
READ MORE: Fair focuses on the DT
“This is a free, family-friendly event that gives our health sciences students the opportunity to practice community outreach while providing members of the public with important health information,” says Hannah MacDonald, UFV School of Health Studies director.
Cindy Schultz, associate professor in the registered nursing program at UFV said it was important for the fourth year nursing students to practise their outreach skills and find out first-hand what the needs of its most vulnerable residents are.
“You have to meet them where they’re at, and it doesn’t necessarily work to hold a clinic,” Schultz said. “You have to draw them in or otherwise they won’t access your services.”
One surprising element for some was that many of those who live in poverty or homelessness really want to access the health-based information and services.
“They want the information, and they want to take charge of their health, and I think that surprised some of the students.”
Attendee Marlene Desbiens said she thought the idea of the fair was a great concept, and she found out from a neighbour that it was happening at the Vineyard this year. She appreciated the wide variety of resources being shared at the health fair, from addictions information, to the flu shot or the free food.
“They do have a lot of good information,” she said, adding her favourite part of the event was talking to all the friendly people. “They had it in a good location, too.”
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