HEALTHY LINKS PROGRAM
The VON People in Crisis Program has implemented a “client directed” model of health primary health care nursing services that empowers victims of abuse to take control of their health and their lives. The Healthy Links program extends this philosophy into the community by providing follow-up to families discharged from the shelter system. The VON follow-up nurse will promote personal and family growth towards healthy lifestyles by assisting mothers and their children to link with appropriate health and community resources.

PURPOSE
To provide community-nursing visits to clients discharged from WIN I, WIN II, Lurana, Safe Place, YESS, and WINGS with health concerns and assist them making appropriate connections to community resources.

GOAL
To support victims of abuse returning to the community from WIN I, WIN II, Lurana, Safe Place, WINGS and YESS in the resolution of health problems and facilitate the development of healthy life styles through client-directed nursing interventions for victims of abuse.

OBJECTIVES
Service delivered in the Healthy Links Program is rooted in the following objectives:
1. To assess physical and mental health concerns
2. To provide individual counseling and support
3. To assess child development
4. To support clients, frequently living in poverty, to utilize appropriate health and community services as needed
5. To advocate on behalf of clients through referrals and liaison with other agencies
6. To liaise with public health units regarding communicable disease, and immunization to educate and consult with clients on health topics such as prenatal teaching, child care and development, safety, healthy lifestyles, nutrition, sexuality, proper use of medications, substance abuse, communicable diseases, sexually transmitted disease, parenting skills, women’s health issues and special health needs of youth in crisis (e.g. suicide counseling).