Release
Department of Health, Housing New Brunswick
January 22, 2026
SAINT JOHN (GNB) – People who are unhoused, or at risk of being unhoused, now have better access to care through a mobile health-care co-ordination team, which is working alongside community partners in Saint John’s uptown area.
Members of the team work in pairs and visit community organizations and encampment sites to provide primary care (such as wound care, immunizations, blood tests, etc.), addictions and mental health care (such as counselling), and help people navigate the health-care and housing systems. The sites they visit include Avenue B Harm Reduction, PULSE (People United in the Lower South End), Romero House, city-owned properties with sanctioned transitional housing known as “green zones”, a community hub and a shelter operated by Outflow Ministry, the Salvation Army, Somerset ACRES, St. John’s Anglican Church (Stone Church), Coverdale Centre for Women and Rose House.
“This multidisciplinary health-care team is doing excellent and much-needed work,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “This is just one example of what collaborative, flexible, community-based care can look like in action. When care approaches are tailored to the needs of different populations and communities, care is more effective and can lead to better health outcomes.”
The team consists of two licensed practical nurses, one registered nurse, two human service counsellors, a social worker, who is also the team’s clinical co-ordinator, and an administrative assistant. Work is underway to recruit a part-time nurse practitioner. Also working with the team are a part-time nurse practitioner and registered nurse who work for the Centre for Research, Education and Clinical Care of At-Risk Populations.
Primary care and mental health and addictions are two of six priority areas outlined in the provincial health plan, Caring for New Brunswick: Putting People at the Heart of Health Care. Goals in the plan include ensuring New Brunswickers have equitable and appropriate access to quality primary-care services and that those with mental health concerns or recovering from substance use are supported effectively.
“Addiction and mental health services need to be accessible, compassionate and fully integrated, with a focus on the whole person,” said Justice Minister Robert McKee, who is also minister responsible for addictions and mental health services. “This team is providing co-ordinated care and the right support for people who are struggling, and effectively helping them on their recovery journey.”
Since beginning operation, the team has contributed to the efforts of community partners and government services in helping people find housing.
“This is a health-care service that is making a direct impact in our community,” said David Hickey, minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation. “As someone who lives in the area served by this team, we can see and feel a difference as people get the supports they need.”
The government provided about $394,000 to Horizon Health Network to establish the team.
“Our health-care co-ordination team meets people where they are: in shelters, encampment sites and other community-based settings,” said Susan Neal, Horizon Health Network’s director of primary care in Saint John. “By showing up consistently, the team provides compassionate, barrier-free health care to individuals who may otherwise face challenges accessing services. Through close collaboration with community partners, we help ensure people have the care, resources and support they need to stay as healthy and safe as possible.”
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Media Contact(s)
Meghan Cumby, communications, Department of Health, [email protected].