youth health

breaking down barriers

The alex saw a need to combine health and social care offerings for youth, so we established the The alex Youth Health Centre (YHC). Perhaps one of the most important features of the YHC is the degree to which our multi-disciplinary services are tailored to the needs of our clients: at-risk youth aged 12 to 24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and sometimes street-connected.

Some of the most common troubles experienced by at-risk youth include mental illness, substance abuse and being kicked out of their home by their parents – although sometimes home life is a much worse option than living on the streets. The alex Youth Health Centre staff offers a welcoming, accessible, confidential, non-judgmental and youth-friendly environment.

At the YHC, staff provides various types of assistance, including access to family physicians and medical resources, anonymous STI testing, harm/risk reduction materials, education, and basic necessities (food, hygiene items, condoms, etc.). The YHC often provides referrals and information about community resources such as addictions counselling, medical services, crisis and mental health services, access to housing, employment and education, as well as advocacy. A variety of agency professionals are brought in to provide extra services on site.

This year, one of the focuses for the YHC was to increase outreach. The first step was to offer services twice a week through our Health Bus to sites frequented by high-risk youth.

highlights

• 1,200 youths clients accessed services
• Visits by clients exceeded 9,500
• 400 clients received help obtaining Alberta Health cards & ID
• 85% of clients received food
• The YHC has seen over 80 young women who are pregnant or parenting