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VIKING ¨C Â鶹ӳ»­ (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.

Beginning November 24, individuals can access an addiction and mental health services walk-in clinic every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Viking/Beaver FCSS office, located at 4924 53 Avenue, Viking. 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 780-336-4024 for details.

¡°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.¡±

¡°I¡¯m grateful our mental health professionals are offering this valuable service. These clinics provide flexibility to individuals in accessing necessary counselling,¡± adds Jackie Lovely, MLA for Camrose constituency.

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.