A new youth health centre located in the newly built Quw’utsun Secondary School aims to help provide Cowichan youth a solid foundation for healthier and happier lives.
Youth clinic exam room
“Youth in the Cowichan Valley area need a space that will support their health questions and concerns in culturally safe and appropriate way, close to where they live,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This new Quw’utsun health centre will be a key support for youth and will offer nursing services that promote health, education and referrals to counseling and community services they may need. This is another step in supporting health care when and where people need it.”
“Youth deserve accessible, welcoming healthcare spaces where they feel safe to ask questions and seek support,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health Board Chair. “We’re excited to bring this new service to the Cowichan Valley to help young people and set them up for success for their whole lives.”
The Cowichan Tribes Sul-hween Committee selected the name for the health centre. The gifted name is Quw’utsun Smun’eem S’uy’ye’lh’ew’t-hw, which means, “The building where our Quw’utsun youth are being healthy.”
“I raise my hands to the Cowichan Valley School District for their ongoing collaboration with us to incorporate cultural guidance from our Elders into the new Quw’utsun Secondary School, including this important partnership with Island Health to open a youth health clinic at the school” said Cindy Daniels, Cowichan Tribes Chief. “Making these much-needed services easily available to students and youth demonstrates their well-being is a priority and honours our snuw’uy’ulh (teaching) hwial’asmut ch tun’ s-ye’lh (take care of your health).”
Quw’utsun Youth Health Centre opened April 1. The centre provides public health nursing services for Quw’utsun Secondary students, all youth aged 13 to 24 in the Cowichan area, and students up to 24 years old attending nearby Vancouver Island University (VIU).
“This new health centre is great news for youth in the Cowichan Valley. It will provide accessible services for youth close to where they go to school, and in a culturally safe environment,” said Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “Young people will be able to get valuable supports for issues such as mental health, STI testing, harm reduction and immunizations.”
A public health nurse and an administrative assistant will offer general health and wellness support, STI testing, pregnancy testing, mental health support, sexual health and relationships information, immunizations, harm reduction and substance use services including vaping and smoking cessation, and referrals to counseling and community services.
Catharine Berghuis, Public Health Manager and Rhonda Wylie, Public Health Nurse
“Young people, now more than ever, need safe spaces where they can access mental-health, physical-health, substance-use, and social services without feeling judged or stigmatized,” said Rhonda Wylie, public health nurse. “We want this health centre to be a space where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether they need a check-up, someone to talk to, or help navigating life’s challenges, we’re here for them.”
Services are free, confidential and provided in a culturally sensitive, 2SLGBTQIA+ safe space.
“Experiences in childhood strongly influence long-term physical, social and emotional health,” said Dr. Réka Gustafson, vice president, Population and Public Health and chief medical health officer at Island Health.
“Intervening early is one of the most effective ways to improve health and reduce inequities. While we are seeing some signs of recovery, youth mental health and social connection remain poorer than prior to the pandemic. This new health centre is a critical step in ensuring young people get the support they need.”
Youth may also drop in during operating hours:
- Monday 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday 9 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday 9 a.m. to noon (STI care only)
- Thursday 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“The youth clinic is an additional safe space for students at our school,” said Nika Jurcic, student council president at Quw’utsun Secondary. “We will be able to get support for our health, whether it’s mental health, STI testing or quitting vaping. It’s a great addition to our school and community that will allow us to take care of ourselves while also focusing on our learning.”
Island Health offers youth health clinics in 15 other secondary schools throughout the region.
Read about all Island Health's Children & Youth Services