School-based Wellness Centre in Nanaimo breaks down barriers and helps adolescents access primary care

Student health is linked to educational success, but  as many as 60 per cent of youth who are worried  about a health issue do not consult a health care  provider and avoid going to a doctor’s office.  This can be for many reasons, including limited  transportation and reluctance to discuss a problem  perceived as having a social stigma. 

With the opening of the new Wellness Centre at John Barsby Community School in Nanaimo, students in  grades eight through 12 can now access primary care  in a confidential, safe and familiar setting, without  leaving the school grounds. 

The centre is a partnership between the Nanaimo  Division of Family Practice, Island Health, the Nanaimo  School District, and community agencies. Doctors  and public health nurses have teamed up with school  staff, social workers, child and youth mental health  clinicians, child wellness therapists, and family support  workers to deliver a wide range of services. 

Read more on the Divisions of Family Practice website.