Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine Clinic Expands to Wallaceburg Site
CHATHAM-KENT: November 9, 2021 – In an effort to meet an increased demand for services and enhance patient-centred addiction care, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s (CKHA) Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic will expand its services to the organization’s Wallaceburg Site as of November 9, 2021.
“Since its launch in 2019, our Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine Clinic has helped fill the gap in harm reduction resources locally. Operating an additional clinic day out of our Wallaceburg Site will further our delivery of patient-centred addiction care and reaffirms our commitment to program and service delivery at this site,” said Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA.
The Wallaceburg RAAM clinic will operate every Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wallaceburg Site in Room 102. CKHA’s RAAM Clinic provides low barrier access for individuals 16 years of age and older seeking treatment and support for any substance use disorder. Individuals do not need an appointment and are seen on a walk-in basis. Individuals are asked to bring a valid health card and a list of current medications. Services include:
- Brief counseling and support
- Trauma informed care
- Medications for opioid and alcohol use
- Naloxone kits
- Referrals and connections to community services
- Physical health assessment
- Referrals to residential treatment, if appropriate
“The RAAM model of care provides evidence-based treatment quickly and follows patients closely along the care pathway; this model has proven to have a significant impact on addressing addiction-related conditions,” said Alan Stevenson, Vice President, Mental Health and Addictions, CKHA. “I am pleased that we have the opportunity to expand our RAAM services to CKHA’s Wallaceburg Site and increase our reach to individuals requiring these services in Wallaceburg and the surrounding area.”
“CKHA’s Mental Health and Addictions team has solidified the organization as a leader in mental health care and has adopted this effective model of addiction care with great success. I am thrilled the services provided by the RAAM Clinic will be more accessible to those living in North Kent,” said Dr. Dele Oyebode, Chief of Psychiatry and Program Medical Director of Mental Health and Addictions, CKHA. “We will continue to work closely with our community partners and providers as well; this is key to ensuring the success of the clinic.”
The RAAM clinic at CKHA’s Chatham Site (47 Emma Street building) continues to operate from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with Thursday reserved for booked appointments ONLY to facilitate ongoing substance abuse treatment.
To learn more about RAAM services at CKHA, visit www.ckha.on.ca/raam. The clinic can also be reached directly during hours of operation at 519.352.6400 extension 6740 (Chatham Site) and 519.352.6400 extension 8311 (Wallaceburg Site).
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Media contact: Fannie Vavoulis, Director, Communications
