Independent.ie: New mobile clinic in Cork and Kerry will ‘break down barriers’ to vital health services

First service of its kind in Ireland available free of charge to communities across Cork and Kerry

BILL BROWNE

AN INNOVATIVE new project based in Cork and Kerry is set to provide a mobile clinic aimed at offering advice and help about sexual health and drug and alcohol interventions.

The DASH (Drugs, Alcohol and Sexual Health) unit, the first of its kind in Ireland, will visit communities across both counties offering a range of services including rapid HIV testing, condom provision, drug/alcohol assessments and support from trained staff.

A partnership between the Cork Sexual Health Centre and regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, the project is aimed at offering an easily assessable platform for people to consult with qualified healthcare professionals.

Executive director of the Sexual Health Centre Dr Martin Davoren, said they were delighted to be associated with the ground-breaking new service for both counties.

"The aim of the project is to ensure equity of access. We want to break down the barriers that people face in accessing services - be they time, location or cost. DASH is available to all sectors of the community, and is free of charge," said Dr Davoren.

DASH project worker Emily Barrett urged people in towns and village across both counties to avail of the free service.

"People deserve to get information and support around their health and well-being in a friendly welcoming environment. DASH will bring that gap for a lot of people," she said.

Project leader with the Cork Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Joe Kirby, said the cross-sectoral approach of the project was central to its development.

"Drugs, alcohol and sexual health impact everyone at some point in their lives. The client groups of each of our organisations can all benefit from the ease of access and diverse expertise at the helm of the DASH project," he said.

HSE Primary Care head of service Priscilla Lynch said the arrival of DASH "marked a turning point in how we think about service provision in these areas across the region."

"It pools our expertise and brings services to people so that comprehensive, accessible supports are truly available to all," she said.

The DASH van is available to visit communities and organisations throughout counties Cork and Kerry.

For more information, contact DASH Project Worker, Emily Barrett at 083 013 2250 or dash@sexualhealthcentre.com