News
RAAM Clinics in Thunder Bay
Date: 2018-03-05
On Monday, March 5, 2018, MPPs Mauro and Gravelle announced funding for Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics, expanding access to addiction supports in the wake of the ongoing opioid crisis. RAAM Clinics provide broad spectrum addiction care, and have demonstrated their success in numerous communities across Ontario.
The Value of Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics
RAAM Clinics provide immediate access for individuals seeking treatment for any substance use disorder, and will connect individuals with the appropriate level of treatment based on their need. No referral is required: people can obtain services when they are ready to seek assistance with addiction.
This is good news for primary care providers, who often struggle with finding an immediate or the most appropriate place of care for their patients. Other centres in Ontario that have introduced RAAM clinics have seen reduced Emergency Department visits for substance use, something that is welcome at a time when Emergency Departments are seeing longer wait times and record visits. For Emergency Services, RAAM Clinics present another option to offer people living with addictions.
What RAAM Clinics Do
The RAAM Clinics are designed to provide medical and counseling care at the time of need. They are staffed with a range of professionals such as Registered Nurses, counselors, social workers, traditional healers, and addictions medicine specialists.
Clients visiting a RAAM Clinic will receive an assessment. From there, the RAAM Clinic will coordinate the care that is most appropriate for the client whether it be counseling, peer support, system navigation all the way through to comprehensive care programs, suboxone treatment in the community, withdrawal management, or residential treatment.
Where are the RAAM Clinics located?
RAAM Clinics can be found at St. Joseph's Care Group Balmoral Withdrawal Management Centre (667 Sibley Drive), NorWest Community Health Centres (525 Simpson Street).
Partners
Providing client-centred care that is truly seamless would not be possible without the partnership and coordination of a number of organizations or without the funding of the North West Local Health Integration Network. The partners are:
- St. Joseph's Care Group - RAAM Clinic Site
- NorWest Community Health Centres - RAAM Clinic Site
- Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
- People Advocating for Change through Empowerment (PACE) - provides support to RAAM Clinics
- Thunder Bay Counselling Centre - provides support to RAAM Clinics
Comprehensive care would not be possible without support in kind from Alpha Court and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Press Release from MPP Mauro and Gravelle - Mar 5, 2018