Community Van Programs

Sanguen Health Centre has long been committed to working with individuals living with or at risk of contracting Hepatitis C. Through our years of experience, we recognized that mobile community outreach is one of the most effective ways to connect with people who are marginalized, homeless, or at risk of homelessness, and who use substances. By meeting individuals where they are, we reduce barriers to accessing essential services, fostering trust and respect, which leads to better overall health outcomes.

To address these needs, Sanguen operates two mobile/van health outreach programs: the Waterloo Region Community Health Van and the Guelph/Wellington Community Van. These programs are designed to provide low-barrier, essential health and social services to individuals across the Waterloo Region and Guelph/Wellington area.

Waterloo Region Community Health Van
Launched in 2015, the Waterloo Region Community Health Van serves Kitchener and Cambridge, offering mobile health outreach and harm reduction services. Through partnerships with the Region of Waterloo and the TELUS Health for Good Program, the van makes regular stops across the cities.

Our interdisciplinary team provides access to harm reduction supplies such as new drug gear, needle exchange, and safer sex supplies, as well as naloxone training and distribution. In addition, the van offers food, clothing, hygiene items, nursing services, and peer and social supports, helping people with a range of needs. By collaborating closely with various community partners, the Van strengthens its service offerings to support person-centred health.

Link to Waterloo Van Schedule

Please Note: The Waterloo Region Community Health Van does not run on Dec 25 & 26 and January 1st. 

We do not provide home deliveries for harm reduction supplies.

On nights when The WR Van is out you can call or text 519-591-4826 to get an update on our location.

Guelph/Wellington Community Health Van
The Guelph Community Health Van was launched in 2016 to deliver low-barrier, mobile outreach in Guelph and its surrounding areas. Staffed by an interdisciplinary team—including a Harm Reduction Coordinator, Peer Support Coordinator, Registered Nurse, and Peer Workers—the van provides harm reduction supplies, naloxone training, food, clothing, hygiene items, and education on safer drug use.

In addition to harm reduction, nursing services such as wound care, vaccines, and testing for HIV, Hep C, and STBBIs are available. The program also provides peer support, fostering connections in spaces where stigma and isolation are common.

In 2021, with support from a Health Canada grant, the program expanded to Wellington County, serving seven rural communities in addition to the Guelph downtown core. The Guelph/Wellington Van Team works closely with partners such as Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Legal Aid, and the Family Midwifery Care CAMP Team to ensure comprehensive support for community members.

Link to Guelph Van Schedule

 

What’s available on the Van?

  • Emergency Contraception
  • Nursing Services & Vein And Wound Care
  • Harm Reduction Supplies And Information
  • Condoms & Lubricants (Including Latex Free)
  • Naloxone Kits & Overdose Prevention Training
  • Sharps Containers Pickups
  • Snacks & Drinks
  • Clothing
  • Hygiene Products
  • Referrals To Community Agencies
  • Supportive Counseling
  • Hepatitis, H.I.V. And Sti Testing
  • Pregnancy Testing
  • Connection

Donations: 

We can pick up donations, however, we are still not doing home deliveries for harm reduction.

We Need Your Support.

Community support is crucial to the success of The Van. As a registered charity, Sanguen will provide a tax receipt for your donations.

  • You can donate to The Van various ways through our Donations Page
  • If you’d like to donate food, clothing, hygiene, or other items, or if you work for an agency or group that offers services or supports, and you’d like to be part of The Van project,please contact our Van Coordinator to find out our current needs.

    • Visit The Community Health Van – Waterloo Region on Facebook