NEWS RELEASE

MARCH 15th, 2011…The Salvation Army Newfoundland and Labrador Division announced a new partnership with Eastern Health of Newfoundland and Labrador. The “New Hope Clinic” was officially opened on Springdale Street in St. John’s on Monday.

Eastern Health CEO, Vickie Kaminski was on hand to offer congratulations and take part in the official Ribbon Cutting. Kaminski said that the New Hope Clinic was the first of it’s kind to serve the “most vulnerable” who live in the downtown core. “These men and women face a number of challenges – often ranging from mental illness and addiction issues to illiteracy, poverty issues and housing issues – any one of which is difficult to manage on its own,” she said. “But they often go hand in hand, together forming nearly insurmountable barriers to the support systems that are there to help them.”

Kaminski said the idea is to make it easier for people who struggle with their day-to-day lives to get medical care at a convenient location, where many already go for help.

Lieut. Col. Alfred Richardson, Divisional Commander for Newfoundland & Labrador, said, “We are far beyond the days of a Band-Aid solution or a one-off handout to help people, even though they are still very necessary to meet crises. Now we need to move beyond that to get involved in a deeper way.” He said that providing these services should not be competitive, but collaborative. That’s why The Salvation Army teamed up with Eastern Health…”

The New Hope Clinic is an initiative of the Salvation Army New Hope Community Centre and the Mental Health & Addictions and Primary Health Care Programs of Eastern Health.  The goal of the New Hope Clinic is to increase access to primary health care for individuals who are not connected to a primary health care provider in the community. This service is open to adults, 18 years and older, who live and/or attend programs or services in the St. John’s Downtown Core.  Individuals requiring this service can self refer, or be referred by other agencies or health care providers.  There is also some ability to provide Walk-in Services to clients.

The New Hope Health Care Clinic, in partnership with Eastern Health, is now available to individuals in the downtown core who do not have a regular GP.  A nurse practitioner working collaboratively with GPs from the Mental Health and Addictions Program will be on site Tuesdays and Thursday between 9 am – 2:30 pm for appointments.

Services offered by the Nurse Practitioner at the New Hope Clinic may include:

Assessment and treatment of acute and uncomplicated or episodic illnesses (i.e. ordering of lab work and x-rays, treatment of infection or injuries, referral to specialists if needed etc.)

• Management of Chronic Medical Conditions (Diabetes, Hypertension, etc.)
• Men’s and Woman’s Health Care Services (Breast Exams, Pap Smears, and Prostate Exams. etc)
• Assessment and Management of Mental Health and Addiction Issues (Referrals to specialty services as indicated)
• Health Promotion and Illness Prevention Activities

Michael Pardy has already visited the nurse practitioner at the center. He was doing a course in the building, through the College of the North Atlantic, when he started to feel ill. ”I’m a diabetic. I take five needles a day,” Pardy said.

Since going to the New Hope Clinic, Michael has received assistance with an exercise program and has met with a dietician, two programs he hadn’t even known were available.

“I’ve had some women who’ve come who haven’t had a women’s health check or a pap smear done in 15 years,” said New Hope nurse practitioner Gerri Dalton. ”I’ve had other people, a gentleman in particular, who has a mental health issue, who has chronic illness and hadn’t been managed for about six or seven years in any way by a health professional.”

Two general practice doctors with Eastern Health’s mental health and addictions program will be available for consultations from a nurse practitioner who will be at the clinic two days each week.

Vickie Kaminski, CEO Eastern Health

Major Hedley Bungay, Executive Director New Hope Community Center

Lt. Col. Alfred Richardson, Divisional Commander

Official Ribbon Cutting

New Hope Clinic

New Hope Clinic

New Hope Clinic

Reaching out to downtown St. John’s patients – Nfld. & Labrador – CBC News.

“Restock The Shelves”

(October 28th) Nutri-Lawn Newfoundland held its Annual “Re-Nourish” Food Drive in the city of St. John’s, “Restocking The Shelves” for The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services Food Bank.

Major Donette Percy stated, “We wish to thank the employees of Nutri-Lawn for their tireless efforts to ensure that the shelves at The Salvation Army’s Community & Family Services Food Bank remain full. These donations of food go a long way in enabling The Salvation Army to continue the Community assistance that is so desperately needed in these days.”

“In today`s world of big homes, the newest technology or the latest trend we tend to forget that there are people both locally and internationally who need an helping hand in times of trouble. We at Nutri-Lawn wanted to give back to the community we live in and provide our customers with an opportunity to get involved by giving back to a local food bank. As a result, of our support from our customers and employees we have now made this an annual event making it an highlight for all involved. We`re not only helping people that need a warm meal, but we`re also building an attitude of giving to all involved.”  Boyd R. Loveless, Owner/GM Nutri-Lawn

Over a period of 20 hours, 11 Nutri-Lawn employees collected just over 2,000 pounds of food for The Salvation Army’s Community & Family Services Food Bank.

Major Donette Percy with Nutri-Lawn Employees

Stocking The Shelves in St. John’s | The Salvation Army in Canada

Salvation Army Reports High Demand for Food Service | The Salvation Army in Canada

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