CMHA and RVH partner

It is an exciting time for the addiction program at CMHA Simcoe County. Recent funding to address the opioid crisis is bringing three Rapid Access Addiction Medicine clinics to the area and increased treatment availability overall. CMHA and Royal Victoria Hospital will be working together to provide quick and focused support to those who need it.

RAAM clinics, run by RVH, will be opening in Barrie, Midland and Orillia and will offer rapid access to medication- assisted treatment and counselling for people dealing with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder.  A staff of counsellors, nurses, doctors and peer workers will provide short term stabilization services and then support family doctors to continue providing the necessary care to clients on an ongoing basis.

Meanwhile, the Opioid Treatment Program at CMHA is growing by 300%. In May, six new staff are joining the team across Simcoe County to provide outpatient treatment.  Immediate access will be given to those being transferred from the RAAM clinics in order to continue the counselling process and explore additional treatment needs.

CMHA is happy to be working together with RVH to provide improved and faster service in our communities in hopes of making a difference in this especially challenging time.

Kim Bray, Team Lead – Addictions Services