Youth Health Centre

WHO are we?

The Youth Health Centre (YHC) supports you in making decisions about your health and wellbeing in a safe environment. the YHC is a partnership between the Halifax Regional School Board and the Nova Scotia Health Authority. The YHC is staffed by a Public Health professional, the coordinator at Sackville High is Gina Makridis, BScN, Rn.

WHAT can you expect?

You can come to the YHC for individual support whenever you feel you need it. the YHC Coordinator:

• Provides confidential services with accurate, non-judgmental information
• Values your knowledge
• Welcomes your input
• Respects your opinion
• Works with your strengths
• Addresses your health concern in a meaningful way

All services provided by the YHC are confidential, with very few exceptions. The YHC staff will not share any information following your visit without permission. We are happy to explain how we protect your privacy.

WHY come to the YHC?

Some reasons students visit the YHC include:

• Feeling sad or angry
• Feeling confused or stressed
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Relationships issues
• Problems at home
• Need condoms
• Pregnancy testing/birth control education
• Safer sex information
• Sexuality/gender questions
• Dating violence
• Drinking too much
• Concern about drug use
• Help to quit smoking
• Healthy eating/nutrition
• To get involved
• School projects
• Needing to talk

The YHC is not a place to come if you are physically sick or injured. We do not treat, diagnose, or administer medication.

WHAT else?

The Youth Health Centre also offers programs to help you get involved in school life, and creates leadership opportunities if you want to learn some new skills. The program at the YHC are driven by you, and decisions are made through your input. this is a great opportunity to get involved! The YHC Coordinator might also be able to hep you connect with supports or services in the community.\WHERE is the YHC?

Your Youth Health Centre is located on the third floor, in Room 325.

WHEN can you come to the YHC?

The Coordinator's schedule is posted by the YHC door, in the main office, and in the guidance office. Students are encouraged to come at a time that doesn't interfere with class, but if you do come during class time you will get a note to be excused. Your YHC Coordinator will be here most days, but may also sit on community committees, attend Public Health meetings, and provide support to junior highs in the area, so there may be times where your YHC Coordinator is away. When your coordinator is in, her door is open.

WHAT other supports are there?

Avalon Sexual Assault Centre 902-422-4240

Choices (Substance Abuse/Gambling Support) 902-491-2401

Cobequid Youth Health Clinic Nurse 902-869-6106 Social Worker 902-869-6131/902-869-7107

Emergency 911

Family Focus Clinics 902-420-6060

Find a Family Doctor 902-424-3047

Halifax Sexual Health Centre 902-455-9656

Health Link (Non-Emergency Health Info) 811

IWK School Board 902-470-8888 Poison Control Centre 902-470-8161 or 1-800-565-8161 Mental Health Referral 902-464-4110

Kid's Help Phone 1-800-668-6868

Laing House (Peer Support for Youth with Mental Illness) 902-425-9018

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team 902-429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167

Metro Food Bank (General Inquiries) 902-457-1900

Phoenix Youth Programs 902-446-0676

Phoenix Youth Shelter 902-446-4663

Phoenix Outreach (text or call) 902-818-5737 or 1-877-332-3331

Public Health Services 481

Supportive Housing for Young Mothers 902-465-2212 ext 3

Youth Project (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity) 902-429-5429