November 16, 2022
ST. PAUL ¡ª Â鶹ӳ» (AHS) has expanded access to addiction and mental health supports in the community with new weekly walk-in clinics, in addition to existing weekday services available through appointment.
¡°Improving access to addiction and mental health treatment services is key to a recovery-oriented system of care,¡± says Health Minister Jason Copping. ¡°Recovery is possible for everyone, and our goal is to also make recovery accessible to everyone.¡±
¡°Â鶹ӳ»¡¯s government is building a comprehensive recovery-oriented system of care,¡± says Nicholas Milliken, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. ¡°Any Â鶹ӳ»n struggling with mental health or addiction challenges will benefit from increased access to services that support their pursuit of recovery.¡±
¡°The walk-in clinics are a very valuable service for our community and an extension of the great work our mental health professionals already do in the St. Paul area,¡± adds David Hanson, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul.
Individuals can access a mental health services walk-in clinic every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Therese ¨C St. Paul Healthcare Centre, 4713 48 Ave. The walk-in clinic is a first point of contact for people seeking support for a variety of mental health concerns. Call 780-645-1850 for more information on the mental health services walk-in clinic.
An addiction walk-in clinic is also open every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the AHS Addiction Services office, 5025 49 Ave. This clinic provides counselling services for individuals with addiction, as well as for family members or friends with a loved one with an addiction. Call 780-645-6346 for more information on the addiction services walk-in clinic.
¡°These weekly clinics provide a new option for quick access to a mental health therapist or addiction counsellor, particularly for those who may find scheduling appointments challenging,¡± says Lois Ryan-Ottley, Director for Addiction and Mental Health in AHS North Zone.
As always, there are supports available 24/7 across Â鶹ӳ» through the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322 and the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642. There are also several resources available at . Crisis services are available through the local emergency department or by calling 911.
Mental Health and Addiction Recovery is one of Â鶹ӳ»¡¯ 10 priorities.
Â鶹ӳ» is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Â鶹ӳ». Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Â鶹ӳ»ns.
