Manitoba Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen and other provincial health ministers wait to speak as a group before a meeting with the federal finance and health ministers in Ottawa, Monday December 19, 2016. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)
WINNIPEG — Five new addictions medicine clinics will be launched by the province to assist Manitobans seeking help for substance-related addictions.
The Manitoba government is investing $1.2 million to establish Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinics, modelled after a similar program in Ontario.
“These clinics bring together addiction treatment with health services, enabling patients to move smoothly between addictions medicine specialists, primary care providers and community supports,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen.
“This will allow those in need to access help sooner, closer to home and with necessary ongoing support.”
The clinics will help patients struggling with opiate, methamphetamine and alcohol addiction.
They will also provide assessment, counselling, the prescription of appropriate medication, and connect patients to community treatment programs and primary care physicians, the province says.
The funding will be allocated to set up the model in two existing clinics in Winnipeg, and one each in Brandon, the Interlake and northern Manitoba.
Goertzen also confirmed the province will continue a $100,000 annual commitment for the provincial naloxone distribution program, meant to reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose.
