UNB’s Connect to Care launches mobile health unit, expanding access to care
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Oct 9, 2026
Category: UNB Fredericton , Press Releases
The University of New Brunswick's Connect to Care initiative launched its mobile health unit today, expanding access to primary care, mental health and addictions services, and social supports for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability in Fredericton.
Led by UNB researcher and assistant professor Dr. Ali McGill, the initiative was developed through the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Community Health Clinic at the Fredericton Downtown Community Health Centre, in partnership with Horizon Health Network and community organizations across Fredericton.
The capital purchase of the mobile health unit was funded by a $100,000 contribution through the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program, administered by the Human Development Council, and approximately $177,000 from the Joan Kingston Foundation.
The New Brunswick Department of Health has invested $453,318 through Horizon Health Network, supporting four full-time positions for the unit, including two registered nurses, one social worker and one administrative support worker.
During a six-month pilot that operated two days per week, the Connect to Care outreach team provided more than 470 patient visits to 141 individuals and facilitated more than 150 referrals to healthcare services.
The pilot data revealed that among the outreach patient population, a small number of individuals accounted for a disproportionately high number of emergency room visits, further highlighting the need for accessible primary care.
Connect to Care combines direct patient care, research, and experiential learning opportunities for UNB nursing and nurse practitioner students. McGill and her team of researchers and community partners will continue studying the model's impact to help inform community-based approaches to care in New Brunswick.
Quotes
“We’re focused on making sure every New Brunswicker can access the care they need, when they need it,” said Premier Susan Holt. “This investment is about meeting people where they are at and making sure some of Fredericton’s most vulnerable residents can access primary care, mental health and addictions support without barriers. A huge thank you to all the partners and community coming together to improve access to primary care.” - The Hon. Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick
"The Government of Canada is proud to support the University of New Brunswick’s Connect to Care mobile health clinic which will provide much needed support to our most vulnerable population in the Fredericton area. This investment will allow our community partners to continue their essential work in our region. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in making this initiative a reality." - David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and to the Secretary of State (Nature) and Member of Parliament for Fredericton—Oromocto
"Horizon is proud to expand this model of care to Fredericton," said Ashley Calvert, Vice-President Community, Horizon Health Network. "The success of similar initiatives in Moncton and Saint John shows what is possible when our teams can meet people where they are, building trust and improving health outcomes, and this new team will only build on that momentum." - Ashley Calvert, Vice-President, Community, Horizon Health Network
"When we bring together knowledge, compassion and a shared commitment to community, we can accomplish remarkable things. This initiative demonstrates how partnership and innovation can create new pathways to care. UNB is proud to help lead this collaborative effort and contribute to healthier, stronger communities." - Dr. Kathy Wilson, Acting President and Vice Chancellor, University of New Brunswick
About Connect to Care
Connect to Care is a community outreach initiative led by the University of New Brunswick's Faculty of Nursing in partnership with Horizon Health Network and community organizations in Fredericton.
The program provides low-barrier health and social supports for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability while creating learning opportunities for nursing and nurse practitioner students. Through clinical care, community partnerships and research, Connect to Care works to improve access to care and inform innovative approaches to healthcare delivery in New Brunswick.
Media contact: media@unb.ca