The Quebec government wants to make it easier for young people in the Haut-Saint-Laurent to access health and social services.
The province recently announced $52,000 in recurring annual funding to launch a mobile Aire Ouverte unit that will offer free and confidential services for area youth aged 12 to 25, with or without an appointment.
“In a riding as vast as ours, it is essential that we reach out to young people rather than wait for them to come to us,” said Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette. “This is excellent news for our young people and their families, who will be able to count on compassionate support regarding their physical, mental, and sexual health, as well as their overall well-being,” she added.
Aire Ouverte, which is run through Santé Québec Montérégie-Ouest (SQMO), already operates a service point in Huntingdon at the Carrefour jeunesse-emploi. The mobile unit will help to reduce transportation barriers while ensuring more equitable access to services throughout the Haut-Saint-Laurent.
“One of Aire Ouverte’s fundamental principles is to develop services with young people and for young people. This mobile unit will allow us to increase opportunities to engage with them in their own communities, better understand their concerns, and continue to adapt our service offerings to reflect their realities,” said SQMO president and CEO Dominique Pilon.
Now that funding has been secured, the SQMO is looking to acquire and outfit a new vehicle to hit the road as soon as possible. (SR)