This webinar discusses how to support a unhoused person who needs Palliative care/end of life and some of the barriers and challenges they face to obtaining services. the grieving process for both staff, clients and family and how to support that connection and community in this difficult time is also discussed. 

Instructor: Racheal Edwards

Rachael has spent the last 14 years working as a nurse in community health, infectious disease, clinical education and shelter/street outreach programs practicing a harm reduction philosophy of care. With extensive experience in program development, clinical teaching, and community engagement, Rachael is highly respected in her field of practice. Rachael was integral in the development and implementation of end-of-life care programming for vulnerable populations through the Calgary Allied Mobile Palliative Program (CAMPP), and most recently with the Assisted Self Isolation Site in response to the COVID-19 pandemic response for people who use substances and are experiencing homelessness. Rachael is a tireless advocate for low-threshold service provision, in the hopes of eliminating barriers for people who traditionally experience challenges in accessing health and social care services. Through her 14 years at the CUPS and 6 years with the CUPS Liver Clinic, Rachael has specialized in advocacy, education, screening, counselling and treatment of hepatitis C—this experience culminated in Rachael developing a strategic model for onsite and outreach liver clinics. Rachael is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health through the University of Victoria.