NEWS RELEASE
BRIGHTSHORES HEALTH SYSTEM
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Brightshores Health System and South Bruce Grey Health Centre (SBGHC) are pleased to announce a collaborative effort to enhance access to Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics, a vital resource for individuals facing urgent addiction and substance use-related challenges. These clinics, operated by Brightshores, will now be available at select South Bruce Grey and Brightshores locations, serving patients across the Grey and Bruce region.
The RAAM Clinics provides swift access to medically assisted, integrative, and client-centered care for individuals at any stage of addiction or recovery. Dual consultations with a doctor or nurse practitioner and a counsellor ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing the unique needs of each client.
Naomi Vodden, Director of Mental Health at Brightshores states that “Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinics provide low barrier, evidence-based addiction treatment in our communities. Brightshores is pleased to partner with SBGHC to allow more clients equitable access to quality care.”
Services offered at the RAAM Clinics include:
- Prescription and Management of Medications: Specialized medical care for preventing or reducing craving, overdose, and withdrawal symptoms related to alcohol, opiates, and other substances.
- Clinical Counselling: Both group and individual counselling sessions are tailored to support specific client-identified needs and goals.
- Community-Based Care Linkages: Assistance in connecting clients with continuing care through primary care practitioners, community services, support groups, and other resources.
- Direct Access to Addiction Treatment Services: Seamless connection to withdrawal management and community addiction treatment programs.
- Support for Primary Care Practitioners: Collaborative support for healthcare providers in maintaining anti-craving medication.
The RAAM Clinics are dedicated to serving individuals aged 16 and over who are experiencing challenges related to alcohol, opioid, or other substance use. Patients can access these clinics through referrals from Emergency Room doctors, social workers, family members, primary care practitioners, or through self-referral.
“We are excited to be able to partner with Brightshores to offer this important service within our communities, including the newly open clinic at our Kincardine site," added Mandy Dobson, director of clinical support and ambulatory care services for South Bruce Grey Health Centre. "We are confident that the ease of access will provide great support to individuals when they need it most.”
For more information on this collaborative initiative, please refer to the recent article on South Bruce Grey Health Centre's website.
Both Brightshores Health System and South Bruce Grey Health Centre are committed to advancing the well-being of our community and are proud to join forces in increasing access to essential addiction medicine services.
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