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Manitobans can now access addiction treatment through Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinics virtually without an appointment. This new option, announced by Housing, Addictions, and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith, allows individuals to use smartphones, tablets, or computers to connect with RAAM clinics.
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The Digital Front Door platform was developed with more than $450,000 in government support and provides virtual drop-in services led by nurses. This platform aims to reduce barriers to care, such as transportation costs, travel, and stigma, making it easier for individuals to seek help for substance use and addictions.
RAAM clinics are drop-in facilities that help people manage substance use, including medical assistance to reduce or stop use. The clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and the virtual platform increases timely access to services at the seven locations across the province, including Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk, and Portage la Prairie.
Dr. Erin Knight, medical lead for RAAM, said that the virtual platform allows for aspects of addiction services such as treatment overviews, harm reduction education, and connections to counselling while still enabling in-person assessments when necessary.
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