Barrier-free access to sexual health and immunization services is available to youth in the North Okanagan.
Starting April 16, the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District, in partnership with Interior Health, will host a free drop-in sexual health clinic Thursdays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The clinic will be held at the Youth Integrated Services Hub (YISH), 3304 30th Ave. and is for youth ages 12 to 24.
“The focus of the clinic is to be a welcoming, safe space where youth can access the services they need. With no appointment required, we hope to reduce the hesitation and challenges that may exist when youth are seeking health resources,” said Mark Fossen, CMHA Vernon’s manager of youth and family integrated services.
The clinic will include free immunizations, subject to availability:
- HPV-9
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, mumps, rubella
- Tetanus
- Chickenpox
Youth can also check their immunization records and vaccination status.
Health care professionals will also provide free on-site testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) as well as provide information about STIs and contraception.
“We look forward to offering this safe, confidential drop-in space where youth can access information and resources related to sexual health in real-time and be connected with allied care providers where necessary,” said Rachel Lund, Interior Health public health nurse.
The services provided at the Youth Integrated Services Hub are a steppingstone to CMHA Vernon launching Foundry North Okanagan, which will build on the integrated health model for youth. Construction of Foundry will begin this spring, with the doors anticipated to be open in June 2027. For more information about Foundry North Okanagan, click HERE
Information about CMHA Vernon’s current integrated youth services can be found HERE.