Barrier-free health care, offered at our medical clinic and health centre, is an essential part of helping people who have been homeless and/or impoverished reach their full potential.
7,000+
Patients provided with health and dental care
13
Sites visited by mobile health clinics each month
77,000
Prescriptions filled at Cool Aid pharmacy last year
Primary Health Care
The Cool Aid Community Health Centre offers primary care through a successful multi-disciplinary, trauma-informed model. We have expertise in hepatitis C, HIV, opioid agonist therapy, and complex mental health care. Our doctors and nurses are world leaders in hep C and HIV research.
Mobile Health Clinic
Health outreach is a critical part of our health services and an important way to reach the thousands of people who face barriers to primary health care in our region. Cool Aid’s two mobile health clinics, powered by TELUS Health, visit several locations in the capital region each week offering primary care, routine testing and contraception, and mental health support.
Research & Nurse-Led Initiatives
Our Community Health Centre stands at the forefront of innovative, nurse-led healthcare models, particularly in the treatment of hepatitis C among substance users. Our groundbreaking approach has garnered international recognition, with the team frequently sharing their expertise globally. Our research and nurse-led work continue to shape best practices in community health.
Pharmacy
In line with Cool Aid Community Health Centre’s goal to reduce the significant barriers that can affect access to health services, our pharmacy provides affordable prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. New patients are welcome.
Counselling
Cool Aid’s counselling service provides compassionate, confidential, and professional counselling to adults facing mental health and/or substance use concerns or related challenges. Referrals to counselling can be made through Cool Aid’s Community Health Centre or the Island Health CARES Clinic.
Our Health Partners
- Island Health
- PHS Community Services Society
- Our Place Society
- BC Housing
- UBC Medical
- Pacifica Housing
- University of Victoria
- The Victoria Native Friendship Centre
- The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness
- Umbrella
- Peers Victoria Resources Society