Residents of Kikino and Buffalo Lake Métis Settlements are now receiving non-emergency primary healthcare closer to home through the new Wâhkôhtowin Mobile Health Clinic.
The custom-built clinic on wheels, powered by TELUS Health and operated by Primary Care Alberta in partnership with the Métis Settlements General Council and the Government of Alberta, will visit the two communities two days a week.
Services include chronic disease management, treatment for common illnesses, and screening and prevention.
Staffed by a nurse practitioner (with an EMT or EMR driver), the clinic aims to build ongoing relationships and connect patients to advanced care when needed.
“The aim is to connect the communities with a primary care provider closer to home and increase access,” said Dr. Nadia Salvaterra, deputy chief medical officer for Primary Care Alberta. “By bringing care to the community, we hope to improve uptake of services and overall health and wellness.”
Residents currently often travel outside their communities for care.
“Meeting the complex health and wellness needs of our members in both creative and efficient ways is one of the key goals of our eight Metis Settlements,” said Dave Lamouche, President, Metis Settlements General Council. “A cornerstone of ensuring Safe & Healthy Communities for our members is providing basic health care delivery. On behalf of the thousands of Settlement members that MSGC represents”
Kikino Coun. Lee Thom called it “a good day for Kikino,” emphasizing Indigenous values of caring for children and elders.
Buffalo Lake councillor Dennis Reid said it “will help out big time,” noting the settlement currently assists with travel costs for members seeking care elsewhere.
This is the program’s first rural mobile clinic, targeting communities facing significant barriers to care.
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