The Arviat Health Centre in Arviat, Nunavut, began holding monthly mental health walk-in clinic days in February 2026. These clinics are held on the first Wednesday of every month to make it easier for people to get help without needing to book an appointment first.
A visiting specialist doctor from Iqaluit and local nurses run the clinics so that residents do not have to travel far for care. Bringing these services directly to the town helps remove common barriers for the roughly 3,170 people living in the community.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, the territory has a high need for these services but significantly fewer mental health workers than the rest of the country. Research has shown that things like long wait times and travel can often stop people from getting the support they need.
This new program follows a March 2024 funding deal where the Government of Canada pledged over $35.6 million to improve healthcare in the region. Local groups like the Aqqiumavvik Society have advocated for more local services that focus on the specific needs of residents.
