{"id":3209,"date":"2024-12-12T23:40:03","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T23:40:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacificpublichealth.ca\/?p=3209"},"modified":"2024-12-12T23:40:04","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T23:40:04","slug":"public-health-is-providing-access-to-a-healthier-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pacificpublichealth.ca\/whats-new\/public-health-is-providing-access-to-a-healthier-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Public Health is… Providing Access to a Healthier Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Public Health is access. A robust public health system \u00a0is one that ensures our basic needs are met, and that programs that support these basic needs are easily accessible.<\/p>\n\n

This may be hard to imagine, but many people right here in our province do not have regular access to a cellphone and\/or the internet. Although this may seem like just an inconvenience, it is much more than that. Our cell phones offer connection to the world around us. Imagine if you were facing an illness, or a potentially life-changing diagnosis, and without treatment, severe consequences to your health. What if you didn\u2019t have a cell phone? How could you navigate our complex healthcare system? How could you make doctors appointments, call in medication requests to the pharmacy, or even access your results via digital health sites, like so many of us do? What if you had no one to lean on for support, to easily explain what is happening to you, and provide you hope for treatment? This is a reality for many people in BC, particularly those who have been incarcerated, face unstable housing, and those who experience poverty.<\/p>\n\n

This very real need for access to care is why we have been so proud support Test, Link, Call,<\/em><\/a> since its inception in 2021. It is a program that provides cell phones and a six-month phone plan to equity-deserving people in our province. Beyond the benefits of connecting to care, the value of having a cell phone quickly became clear. From being able to reconnect with loved ones, to having a stable means of communication when applying for benefits and employment, to having access to 911 and emergency services, these cell phones have provided a lifeline to clients, in more ways than one.<\/p>\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>It\u2019s helped me to stay connected with the people, the positive people in my life. It keeps me away from having to \u2026 because you can’t just ask, there’s no payphones anymore, and you can’t just ask someone to use their phone. There’s most people right there. It’s not like. Yeah, it’s, it’s weird like and in order for me to access to use someone\u2019s phone, I gotta go into areas which are dangerous for my recovery.” \u2014 a Test, Link, Call<\/em> client<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

We\u2019re excited to share an article from our partners doing the work, who have seen firsthand the kind of impact it is having on equity deserving members of our community.<\/p>\n\nDonate Now<\/a>\n\n\n\n\n

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Access to HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis Care: How Cell Phones and Peer Support Are Changing Lives for People Who Experience Criminalization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

By Amrit Tiwana, Nicola Gale, and Sofia Bartlett<\/p>\n\n

People who experience criminalization, such as those who have been incarcerated, often struggle with unstable housing, or use drugs, are more likely to be affected by sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs) like HIV and hepatitis C<\/a>. They face many barriers to getting treatment, including unstable living conditions, stigma, and poverty. Compared to people who aren’t criminalized<\/a>, these groups have a much tougher time receiving the STBBI treatment they need.<\/p>\n\n

The COVID-19 pandemic made these problems worse as many healthcare services quickly switched to virtual care. For people without reliable access to the internet or a phone, getting healthcare became almost impossible.<\/p>\n\n

To reduce this gap and improve outcomes for those with STBBIs, the Test, Link, Call<\/em> (TLC) Project has stepped in to support people who experience criminalization across British Columbia. By providing cell phones and peer support, the TLC Project is helping people access care for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphylis.<\/p>\n\n

The Test, Link, Call<\/em> Project<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

This peer-based project began in September 2021 and is a collaboration between the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services, BC Hepatitis Network, and Unlocking the Gates (UTG) Services Society. Led by Dr. Sofia Bartlett<\/a> (BCCDC), Deb Schmitz<\/a> (BC Hepatitis Network), and Pam Young<\/a> (UTG), \u00a0the project aims to expand access to STBBI treatment for people who experience criminalization.<\/p>\n\n

How does it work? <\/strong>Participants in the TLC Project receive a free, good quality, personal cell phone with a 6-month unlimited plan, are paired with a Peer Health Mentor, and get help scheduling appointments for STBBI care.<\/p>\n\n

Peer Health Mentors are staff members from UTG, a peer-led program that connects individuals transitioning from corrections back into their communities with social and health services.<\/p>\n\n

Recruitment posters are shared in common areas of shelters, drug detox and recovery houses, and other services. These posters include UTG contact information. Most participants enroll after contacting or speaking with a Peer Health Mentor, who explains the project details, eligibility criteria, and participant commitments. Healthcare providers can also refer patients directly to the project. To enroll, participants must agree to be tested for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or Syphylis, or already know their test results. If an infection is confirmed, the Peer Health Mentor or healthcare provider gives the person a phone and helps connect them to STBBI treatment through a network of care providers.<\/p>\n\n

Each phone is pre-loaded with contact information and apps designed to support participants in accessing STBBI treatment, harm reduction, and overall wellbeing. The address book includes numbers for their healthcare provider, Peer Health Mentor, and BC Help 4 Hep (toll-free). Additionally, the phones come with preloaded apps including:<\/p>\n\n