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Saskatchewan residents will benefit from expanded addiction medicine treatment through new virtual options.
The introduction of the virtual access to addiction medicine (VAAM) program has launched in Lloydminster, Nipawin and Cumberland House – Cree Nation and Northern Village, as well as all detox and treatment centers in the province.
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Through this support, VAAM aims to reduce substance use and dependence, ultimately preventing overdoses and saving lives.
Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said the government is committed to providing more support for people struggling with addiction.
“This virtual program is a new and innovative way to offer Saskatchewan residents timely, life-saving addiction treatment, especially for people living in rural and remote communities,” she said in a statement.
Intake, assessment, and treatment will be delivered through videoconference or telephone, in coordination with local supports such as laboratories for urine drug screening, outpatient mental health and addiction services for counselling and pharmacists for medication administration. Services will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
SHA Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Services Executive Director Zoe Teed McKay said this is another step toward fulfilling the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA’s) commitment to expand access to addiction treatment and supports for Saskatchewan.
“Having the option to access addiction treatment virtually will provide more opportunities for individuals, regardless of where they live, to receive the treatment they need to reduce their use and dependency and help them on the road to recovery,” she said in a statement.
Residents 18 years and older in the three launched communities can self-refer or be referred to VAAM by a care provider.
VAAM is expected to grow in the coming months to include more communities and patients in Saskatchewan.
