Nestled along the banks of the Miramichi River, our city may not rival Moncton, Saint John, or Fredericton in size, but it certainly matches them in spirit, determination, and community pride.
Like many urban areas, Miramichi faces complex challenges—ranging from healthcare access to social inequities—but unlike larger cities, we often do so without the same level of funding or infrastructure.
Today, we are celebrating a new collaborative, innovative effort of community-led change: the arrival of a Healthbox in Miramichi.
Developed by Dr. Sean B. Rourke, Director of REACH Nexus at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), the Healthbox is more than just a machine—it’s a symbol of accessible, inclusive healthcare.
These smart, touchscreen-enabled vending machines are stocked with essential, no-cost wellness supplies and designed to meet people where they are — physically and socially.
“This initiative is a step toward increasing equitable access to wellness items and essential harm reduction supplies for our most vulnerable community members,” said Dr. Arifur Rahman, acting deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health of New Brunswick. “By reducing barriers and meeting people where they are, we are addressing the social determinants of health and advancing our commitment to health equity and community well-being.”
The Miramichi Healthbox, located at 10 Hotel Dieu Street, is a result of an incredible partnership between AIDS New Brunswick and Horizon Health Network (Horizon), offering access to health and harm reduction supplies. Staples Canada through the Even the Odds program – an innovative partnership between Staples Canada and MAP at St. Michael’s Hospital – is generously supporting the Miramichi Healthbox.
“We would love to have more of these Healthboxes in our communities and are excited for the launch of the Miramichi Healthbox,” said Linda Thompson-Brown, Executive Director of AIDS New Brunswick. “This is a free, low-barrier method of getting access to harm reduction and healthcare supplies can be life-changing—and in many cases, life-saving—for people who are underserved and who face barriers due to stigma and discrimination.”
It includes HIV self-testing kits, naloxone kits to reverse opioid overdoses, and a range of wellness products, such as menstrual hygiene items and seasonal necessities like hats and gloves. All items are chosen to the unique needs of our community.
This initiative is rooted in equity, compassion, and innovation. And it’s already making waves—not just in Miramichi, but across Atlantic Canada, with six Healthboxes currently in operation and more planned for Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Staples Canada through its Even the Odds program supports the Healthboxes in Atlantic.
“The Healthbox is a vital resource that supports both individual and community well-being. Its services play a crucial role in providing low-barrier access to harm reduction initiatives, especially for individuals most vulnerable to stigma, isolation, poverty, and other socioeconomic challenges,” said Deatra Blacquier, a Public Health Nurse with Horizon.
The project is generously supported by Even the Odds, a unique partnership between Staples Canada and the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions. This funding helps ensure the continued growth of Healthbox technology, allowing more communities to benefit from its presence.
What makes the Healthbox particularly innovative is its integration of real-time data analytics. These insights help monitor usage, track supply levels, and identify emerging community health trends—enabling faster, smarter responses to evolving public health challenges.
So far, Healthboxes have been visited over 122,000 times, distributing more than 54,000 essential items—including over 2,200 naloxone kits. These numbers reflect more than just product distribution—they tell the story of lives supported, stigma reduced, and barriers broken.
For Miramichi, the arrival of the Healthbox represents more than a new service—it’s a powerful example of what can be achieved when local organizations, healthcare professionals, and compassionate citizens come together for a common goal.
We may be a smaller city, but we’re proving that size doesn’t define impact. With resourcefulness, resilience, and a commitment to community care, Miramichi continues to pave the way for healthier, more inclusive futures—one thoughtful initiative at a time.