uOttawa medicine professor dedicated to addressing health needs of the homeless

Over ten years ago in the Ottawa area, health care professionals, shelters and the government came together as a group to solve a problem: the homeless weren't receiving proper health care, and the care they actually were receiving was through the most expensive of services—emergency rooms and ambulances.

The group created the now internationally recognized Ottawa Inner City Health Inc., a program that provides services to improve the health and welfare of Ottawa's homeless population. The program saves money and resources, but more importantly, it makes an incredible difference in the lives of the people it helps.

Dr. Jeffrey Turnbull, one of the program's founders, is a man who wears many hats. He is chief of staff at the Ottawa Hospital, president of the Canadian Medical Association and a professor at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine. Despite this impressive background, he describes his involvement with Ottawa Inner City Health as one of the most fulfilling aspects of his career.

"I love the work. It's challenging, but so rewarding," explains Turnbull. "When you break down the barriers, you have a chance to have meaningful relationships. They may have addiction and psychiatric issues, but there is also humour, courage, laughter and compassion."

You can hear the passion in his voice as he talks about the program's different initiatives, such as hospices, clinics and programs to help with alcoholism.

"We help get them off the street, we control their consumption of alcohol, and we let them learn to be independent," he says. "They may still be drinking, but at least we know it's not paint thinner, and it is, on average, one ninth of what they were drinking before."

Ottawa Inner City Health helps make a difference by providing better health services and by showing Ottawa's homeless community that people care. To find out more or to volunteer, visit the program's website or check out their Facebook page.

Lara Wellman
Photo: Mélanie Provencher
Published: July 2011