First Indigenous-led addictions clinic opens in Winnipeg
Posted December 12, 2023 9:41 pm.
The first Indigenous-led and culturally informed Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinic is now operational in Winnipeg.
The clinic, which offers many supports including assessment, counselling, medication, referrals to withdrawal management services, and direct access to community treatment programs and primary health-care providers, is located in the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre (AHWC).
The province says the Indigenous-led RAAM clinic is a successful model of care for culturally directed substance use and addiction treatment.
RELATED: New addiction treatment clinic in Winnipeg will be Indigenous-led, province says
“Our government is committed to expanding treatment options so Manitobans have the support they need to overcome addictions,” said Bernadette Smith, Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister.
“This clinic is a result of listening to public health experts to create a culturally informed harm reduction approach to the addiction crisis. The AHWC RAAM clinic has become an outstanding clinical example of what a decolonized treatment centre that’s focused on the specific needs of our relatives should look like.”
The clinic will also house harm-reduction supplies such as Naloxone for those suffering from an opioid overdose.
“For close to 30 years, the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg has served the urban Indigenous community by putting the needs of our relatives first,” said Della Herrera, executive director, AHWC.
“The love and intention put into this model at each phase of its development and implementation, from how we set up our exam rooms to the way we provide care based upon a shared philosophy rooted in compassion, demonstrates how we respond to addiction treatment.”
The province also announced Tuesday that $1 million in annual funding will be available to support the operation of the new clinic.
