Horizon’s community developers partner with UNB Nursing students and Elgin seniors to offer adult health screening clinics

Many hands make light work, especially in partnership with Horizon’s community developers. Together, they helped transform the Elgin Senior Centre on January 24, 2024, playing host to the inaugural “Adult Health Screening Clinics.” This initiative, organized for residents of Elgin, Petitcodiac, and nearby communities, saw the temporary repurposing of the hall into a health clinic. UNB Nursing students took centre stage, offering a range of on-site services, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood oxygen level testing. Beyond the clinical services, the event also provided a platform for residents to gain insights into healthy living practices and access information about various health services through information provided by local organizations.

The genesis of this project can be traced back to June Crandall, a dedicated local community member and volunteer associated with the Community Advisory Committee that is led by engaged residents from Elgin and its vicinity. “This project came to light after June Crandall shared that she was looking to apply for funding to hire a nurse to work in the area,” said Amy O’Keefe, Horizon’s community developer for the area. “After some discussion, we realized that there could be a partnership with UNB Nursing, as a partnership with their Community Nursing practicum had started the year before. We hope this will help identify the population’s health needs and whether or not something can be implemented on a long-term basis.”

Despite its relatively short timeline, the pilot project proved to be a successful collaborative effort. The working group responsible for planning included June Crandall, Amy O’Keefe, another community developer, Alannah Pearson, Joe Gallant, the primary care manager for the area, and Mary-Lee Gilliss, UNB’s nursing student coordinator, who all played pivotal roles in shaping the initiative.

“The first clinic was successful, with approximately 40 area residents in attendance,” said Ms. O’Keefe. “The 10 students were working 3 hours straight with a steady stream of patients coming to see them. As these clinics take place, we are surveying those in attendance to gather information about their needs as well as their feedback about their experience and what they’d like to see in such a clinic.”