The Victoria youth clinic

James Bay Community Project

By Barbara Thompson, Clinic Manager

The Victoria Youth Clinic, a program administered by the James Bay Community Project, is a free, confidential, youth friendly drop-in medical clinic for youth aged 12-24.  The clinic operates part-time out of two sites: one at the James Bay Community Project and the second is downtown in Bastion Square at the Youth Empowerment Society building. The clinic's dedicated team of family physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, counsellors, outreach worker and manager are assisted by volunteers and community workers from other agencies.

Over the years, services have grown to reflect the changing and more challenging needs of the youth that are seen.  The clinic is open to all youth, although the downtown clinic's care is targeted towards those who may be homeless, street-involved and experiencing risky behaviour.  Some are aboriginal or another visible minority, queer or questioning, or involved in the sex trade. Clinic staff help youth with concerns about birth control, sexually transmitted infections, addictions, drug and alcohol problems, mental health issues, pregnancy testing, blood testing, referrals to specialists, and vaccines. While these examples are not exhaustive, these health and social factors are those the clinic specializes in.  A collaborative and comprehensive approach with other health and youth service agencies is essential to providing timely health care by professionals who understand youth and the many challenges they may face.   

The Youth Clinic has continued to experience consistent growth in patient volume - over the last few years it has had over 40% increase in patient visits.  In 2011 the clinics had over 5,200 visits.  One of the current challenges is how to continue to support this increasing demand with the current funding. Funding and/or support for the clinic comes from the James Bay Community Project, VIHA, MCFD, United Way, the Youth Empowerment Society and from donations.  

Please visit the clinic's website at  for more information about the services provided.