November 28, 2022
KILLAM ¨C Âé¶¹Ó³» (AHS) has expanded options to access addiction and mental health supports in the community with a new weekly walk-in clinic, in addition to existing weekday services available through appointment.
¡°We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get help. So, rather than having to schedule an appointment, people can visit us during our walk-in times and speak with a counsellor right away ¡ª getting the help they need, when they need it,¡± says Maribela Arruda-Block, director for Addiction and Mental Health in AHS Central Zone ¨C Rural East.
Individuals can access an addiction and mental health services walk-in clinic every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Flagstaff Family Community Services office, located at 4809 49 Avenue in Killam. The walk-in clinic is a single session service for adults seeking support for a variety of concerns. The service provides addiction and mental health counselling, as well as referrals to other community resources. Individuals with questions can call 780-385-3976 for details.
¡°Âé¶¹Ó³»¡¯s government is building a comprehensive recovery-oriented system of care,¡± says Nicholas Milliken, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. ¡°Any Âé¶¹Ó³»n struggling with mental health or addiction challenges will benefit from increased access to services that support their pursuit of recovery.¡±
¡°These clinics provide an important service for residents in our area, and I¡¯m grateful for the dedication of our mental health professionals in offering improved access to counselling,¡± adds Jackie Lovely, MLA for Camrose Constituency.
As always, there are supports available 24/7 across Âé¶¹Ó³» 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 Âé¶¹Ó³»¡¯ 10 priorities.
Âé¶¹Ó³» is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Âé¶¹Ó³». Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Âé¶¹Ó³»ns.