‘Man Van’ making stop in Medicine Hat for free physical and mental health checks

The Man Van is operated by the Prostate Cancer Centre and is Canada’s first mobile men’s health clinic.

It travels throughout Alberta educating men on the importance of early prostate cancer awareness, but also overall health as well.

Men aged 40-70 are eligible for a non-invasive PSA blood test in the Man Van.

The clinical team also offers a mental wellness check, with an assessment for men who are open to the offer.

Chantal Desjarlais, wellness coordinator of the city’s People Services division, hopes that men who require assistance won’t be afraid to reach out.

“You can just come and there’s no appointment needed. It’s only 15 minutes. You don’t have to wait in line for a walk-in to get your blood requisition,” she told CHAT News.

She said that men often don’t prioritize their own mental or even physical health, perhaps due to stigmas that have been created surrounding the topic.

“They’re busy providing for their families or taking care of their jobs, and there’s also a bit of a stigma around the proactiveness,” she said.

“We’re just essentially letting them have the ability to be proactive instead of reactive and letting them take control of their own health and their own mental wellness,” she added.

All services are free, and the van will be making its stop at Fire Station #2 on Nov. 19, from 12-2 pm.

“I think that everyone should come out just because you are someone to somebody. So if you don’t take initiative and look after your health, no one else is going to,” she said.

“We’re giving you the opportunity to be proactive instead of reactive. And we hope that you’ll come by. And it’s quick and easy and non-invasive.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, and mental health struggles can also be just as lethal.

by Jayk Sterkenburg

‘Man Van’ making stop in Medicine Hat for free physical and mental health checks

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