As part of its continued commitment to improving addictions services, the Manitoba government will open a sixth Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinic while enhancing the level of care patients receive with the establishment of a centralized hub.
Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen says the clinics have be helpful so far, “RAAM clinics have been successful in providing patients with the ability to receive assessment and counselling, be prescribed appropriate medication and directed to community treatment programs and primary care physician. Locating a clinic in Portage la Prairie will provide people in this community and health region with timely access to treatment and assistance in navigating the health system more easily.”
The new RAAM clinic in Portage la Prairie, to be located at 159 Fifth St. SE, will help people struggling with high-risk substance use and addictions. An addictions physician and a combination of nurses and counsellors typically staff RAAM clinics. There will be two half-day walk-in clinics per week where appointments are not necessary. In addition, nurses and counsellors will be available for appointments with registered patients from Monday to Friday. More information regarding the schedule for walk-in clinics will be made available before the Portage la Prairie clinic opens in late October.
In addition to the new RAAM clinic location, the province has opened a RAAM hub in Winnipeg to provide provincial support, mentorship, training, recruitment and collaboration for all RAAM clinics in Manitoba.
