IH partners with City of Kamloops on mobile health care outreach

_{Photo caption: Pictured (Left to Right): Natasha Hartson, Social, Housing, and Community Development Manager, City of Kamloops; Ashley Ekelund, Social and Community Development Supervisor, City of Kamloops; Councillor Mike O’Reilly; Councillor Kelly Hall; Councillor Nancy Bepple; Councillor Dale Bass; Councillor Bill Sarai; Councillor Margot Middleton; Dr. Andy Delli Pizzi, Medical Health Officer, Interior Health; Dani Deeks, Lead, Health & Housing, Interior Health}

The City of Kamloops and Interior Health are pleased to announce a new partnership that will expand access to health care and outreach services through the purchase of a purpose-built mobile health care outreach van. 

This initiative was fully funded through the federal Emergency Treatment Fund. The new vehicle will bring essential health services directly into the community, reducing barriers to care. It will support people who may face challenges accessing traditional health care settings, including people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, older adults, individuals with mobility or accessibility needs, and those who are connected with Interior Health outreach services. 

Designed specifically for community health care outreach, the van will function as a mobile clinic equipped to support a wide range of health services. Features include a wheelchair lift, a private treatment area, a medical examination bench, diagnostic equipment, and expanded storage for medical supplies to support year-round service delivery. The accessible design will allow health care providers to reach more people throughout the community while offering patients a safe, comfortable, private space to receive care.

Through an ongoing partnership with Interior Health, the City has led funding acquisition and vehicle procurement, while Interior Health will provide health care outreach staff and services. People will have access to health assessments, wound care, harm reduction services, wellness supports, and referrals to additional health and social services. By bringing care directly to individuals where they are, the program will help overcome transportation, mobility, and access-to-care barriers that can prevent individuals from receiving timely support. 

"This initiative is about much more than a vehicle," said Ashley Ekelund, the City’s Social and Community Development Supervisor. “It is about improving access to health care and ensuring residents can receive support in a safe, accessible, and dignified environment. Through this partnership with Interior Health, and with the support of federal funding, we are helping bring essential health care services closer to the people who need them most."

Interior Health has welcomed the partnership as an important enhancement to its existing outreach efforts. This service responds to a growing need for flexible, community-based health care services in Kamloops. Outreach teams currently serve residents across a geographically large community and often face challenges with transportation, equipment storage, and delivering services outside of traditional health care settings. 

“This is an important enhancement to services provided in Kamloops as it will enable staff to serve individuals who may not otherwise receive care,” said Dr. Andy Delli Pizzi, Medical Health Officer. “Supports and services offered through the van help reduce pressure on emergency services and hospital resources while also complimenting other mobile services operated through other community partners like ASK Wellness.” 

Interior Health outreach teams will coordinate access to services in partnership with community organizations, as appropriate. The wheelchair lift, private consultation space, and clinical treatment area reflect a shared commitment to ensuring health care services are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all community members. 

"This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when local governments, health care providers, and funding partners work together to address community needs," said Deputy Mayor Kelly Hall. "Together, we are creating practical solutions that improve access to care, strengthen community well-being, and support healthier outcomes for residents."

The mobile health care outreach van is expected to become operational in October 2026. 

Read original release on Kamloops.ca