TELUS has expanded its Health for Good program in partnership with The Alex to support Calgary’s most vulnerable people.

The Alex Community Health Bus powered by TELUS Health, a specially-equipped mobile health clinic on wheels, will provide primary health care services to Calgarians in need, wherever they are.

In a news release, officials said the new Community Health Bus aims to enhance health care services for at-risk youth and individuals living with complex needs across Calgary.

“At TELUS, the core of our passionate social purpose is our commitment to enabling better outcomes for our fellow Canadians,” said Jill Schnarr, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship at TELUS, in a statement. “We believe that everyone should have access to health care when and where they need it regardless of their socio-economic status, which is why we have committed $10 million to expand our TELUS Health for Good program to communities across Canada over the next five years. As longtime partners of The Alex, we are proud and excited to support them in providing these crucial services to Calgarians in need.”

The mobile health clinics are also operating in Edmonton, Montreal, Vancouver, Victoria, Ottawa and the Waterloo Region.

“The Alex knows that reducing barriers to health care increases positive outcomes, and that providing preventative care reduces heavy system use,” said Joy Bowen-Eyre, CEO of The Alex. “We are very excited to be partnering with the TELUS Health For Good program, as they have been a foundational supporter of the next generation of our Community Health Bus. With TELUS’ support, the bus brings a kind and welcoming face to what is an otherwise dark and difficult place for many. The bus will also extend its community reach to eight in-need high-schools in partnership with the Calgary Board of Education, supplementing the demand of our Youth Health Bus and allowing students to access a safe space to talk about health and wellness issues.”  

Officials said the Alex Community Health Bus is equipped with TELUS Health’s electronic medical record (EMR) technology and TELUS LTE Wi-Fi network technology. Skilled practitioners will be able to collect and store health data, examine results over time, and provide better continuity of care to patients who previously had undocumented medical histories. The Community Health Bus is divided into two main areas: the first for patient reception and nursing care, and the second with an examination table and health practitioners’ workstation including equipment necessary to provide primary health care such as routine testing, contraception, STI treatment, addiction services, and mental health care and counselling. 

Mario Toneguzzi is a business reporter in Calgary.

© Calgary’s Business


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