At Lubdub, we believe in highlighting the people and programs creating meaningful impact in healthcare communities. The Alex Mobile Health Team embodies that impact every day through four uniquely designed mobile clinics that remove barriers, build trust, and meet people where they are.
Through this conversation with the team, we explore who they are, how their mobile clinics operate, and the powerful difference this work makes across Calgary.
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Can you tell us a little about yourselves and the Alex Mobile Health Clinic, who you are, what you do, and the communities you serve?
At The Alex, the Mobile Health Team operates four distinct mobile clinics. Each one meets people where they already are and brings care into environments that feel safe and welcoming.
The Youth Health Bus has visited Calgary high schools for over sixteen years. Staffed by a doctor or nurse practitioner, a nurse, and a client resource specialist, the bus offers youth friendly care and connects students to vital supports. It is a social medicine model that focuses on eliminating barriers and ensuring young people feel seen and supported.
The Community Health Bus serves a wider range of locations, including housing programs, high schools, and community hubs. In partnership with the University of Calgary, it also offers community diabetes clinics. Both the Youth Health Bus and Community Health Bus are full-size RVs converted into warm, fully equipped medical spaces.
The Mobile Care Clinic is a smaller Mercedes Sprinter van that provides flexibility and intimacy. Staffed by a nurse or nurse practitioner and a peer support or pre and postnatal specialist, the clinic spends one day each week supporting new and expecting parents. The rest of the week, the team works alongside community partners to bring care directly to people who face social, financial, or mobility barriers.
The newest addition is the Dental Health Bus, which includes two dental chairs and brings preventive dental care and education to elementary schools and community programs. The goal is to help children build lifelong oral health habits at an early age.
Each bus has its own specialty, but they all share one purpose: to make healthcare accessible, approachable, and equitable for everyone.
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What inspired the creation of the mobile clinic, and what gap does it aim to fill?
The Alex Mobile Health program was created from one powerful idea: if people face barriers to accessing healthcare, then care should come to them.
Many of the individuals The Alex serves have felt unwelcome, overlooked, or intimidated in traditional healthcare settings. By bringing care into their communities, the mobile clinics create safe, inclusive environments where people feel supported rather than judged.
This model allows the team to meet individuals where they are emotionally, socially, and physically. It breaks down stigma and builds the trust needed for long term wellness.
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Since launching, what kind of impact have you seen the clinic have on the people who access it?
The impact extends far beyond medical treatment. It shows up in the form of confidence, connection, and hope.
In schools, the buses have become a familiar and trusted part of the community. Students know they can visit for care, conversations, or guidance in a space that feels safe. Many share that they would never have asked for help if the bus had not been there.
Because these relationships are built on trust, young people feel understood and respected. This encourages them to take ownership of their wellness journey, leading to long lasting positive change.
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What are some of the challenges and opportunities you see in bringing healthcare directly into the community?
The opportunities are extensive. Mobile care allows The Alex to reach people who may never walk into a clinic, including students, unhoused individuals, and new parents. By taking services into the community, the teams can support more people while easing pressure on traditional clinic spaces.
The mobile model also strengthens partnerships across Calgary. By collaborating with schools, housing programs, and community agencies, the teams build a broader network of support. It is an extended Alex community working toward shared wellness goals.
There are also challenges. Weather, limited space, and the realities of operating a small medical environment require creativity and flexibility. The teams work with fewer immediate onsite supports, but they approach these constraints with resourcefulness and compassion.
Even though the buses cannot provide every service, they often act as a bridge. They help people take the first steps toward accessing broader healthcare systems.
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Can you share one of the most meaningful moments you have experienced through this work?
There are many powerful stories, but one stands out. A student once shared that she had no future plans because she did not believe she had a future. Through the care and encouragement of the Youth Health Bus team, she found hope, built confidence, and completely transformed her path. Years later, she returned to share her progress and gratitude. Her journey remains a vivid reminder of how impactful this work can be.
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Looking ahead, what do you hope for the future of mobile healthcare?
The Alex envisions a future where mobile healthcare becomes more widely adopted across Canada. Similar models in the United States are already helping reduce strain on hospitals and increase access to specialized care.
A future fleet could include mobile prenatal and postnatal units, optical care, vaccination clinics, harm reduction services, and even mobile shower units for individuals experiencing homelessness. The potential for expansion is significant.
Mobile healthcare is flexible, community centered, and rooted in compassion. It represents a future where care is accessible for everyone, no matter their circumstances.
We are deeply grateful to The Alex Mobile Health Team for sharing their story with us. These reflections come directly from the healthcare workers who volunteer their time and hearts to these mobile clinics, showing up day after day to bring care into schools, neighborhoods, and community spaces across Calgary. Their commitment reminds us what community health truly looks like: compassionate, accessible, and rooted in human connection. Thank you to every team member who helps keep these buses moving and helps keep our community cared for.
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