NORTH BATTLEFORD — The grand opening of the Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinic was held on Thursday, with representatives from the provincial government and Battle River Treaty 6 Health Care (BRT6HC) on hand.
This clinic is a unique partnership between Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and BRT6HC, two organizations that have been working together in various partnerships for more than 20 years. It is the only clinic of its type that is operated with SHA and an Indigenous health agency.
The official opening started with smudging being offered by Elder Noel Moosuk, followed by his prayer, given in Cree. This was indicative of the sensitivity given to Indigenous people and to people of all different backgrounds, an important part of their services.
Opening addresses were given by a number of people including Crystal Okemow, Chief of Lucky Man Cree Nation and Chair of BRT6HC, and Everett Hindley, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health.
Chief Okemow, in her welcoming address, noted the importance of including the seven sacred teachings in the operating of the clinic. Those seven teachings are honesty, courage, wisdom, respect, truth, love and humility and are important in treating people with dignity. The clinic is culturally informed, open to all in need and easily accessible.
Hindley noted that the RAAM clinic will make a significant difference to people living with addictions challenges. He continued, “I’m pleased that the Saskatchewan Health Authority, in partnership with Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre, is now providing improved access to addictions medication treatment services to the people of North Battleford and surrounding area.”
The RAAM clinic is open to anyone who needs addictions services and support. Rapid services are available from a care team including physicians, nurses, addiction counsellors, social workers and peer support workers. These specialists can help people directly, or give them quick access to the services they need that are available in the community.
“The services are designed for those living with addiction and mental health in our community,” said Kent Lindgren, Director of Battlefords Family Health Centre and City of North Battleford councillor. These services, according to Lindgren, will keep evolving to support people with varying needs and health concerns.
It provides a full scope of addictions medicine, getting people into the right places for appropriate treatment of the addictions they face. The clinic will provide service to anyone who has an addiction to any substance. Their speed of their treatment will depend to some extent on the urgency of the need.
This is a fairly new service and offers a more co-ordinated response, “an easy way to get to the right service,” said Lindgren. The aim is to keep people physically stable and providing support for individuals while they are seeking treatment.
It is expected that the RAAM clinic will help individuals, plus reduce emergency department visits, shorten wait times and provide more positive outcomes for those facing addictions.
The provincial government is providing $2.2 million this year to launch North Battleford's RAAM clinic and to support clinics in Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon. Prince Albert's clinic was the first to open in 2019.
This story has been updated with more local information.
