Primary Health Bus Reaches Under-served Populations

The Primary Health Bus operates in areas of Saskatoon where the population often experiences geographic, social, economic, and cultural barriers. The goal is to bring high-quality care directly to under-served populations and provide an alternative for those seeking care for minor conditions at hospital emergency rooms. Targeted populations are Aboriginal, newcomers, children, elderly, and transient populations. The breakdown for 2848 visits excluding immunizations was Aboriginal 48 percent, newcomers 9 percent, children under 16 years 25 percent, and elderly (65 and over) 7 percent. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, the Health Bus was used as a venue to administer H1N1 inoculations in the core neighborhoods.