The Manitoba government is spending $2.7 million per year to enhance services at Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM ) clinics, add 16 new treatment beds for women and expand programming for families.

$1.23 million will be spent on staffing resources at all five RAAM clinics in Manitoba and will allow for increased hours of operation for clinics in Brandon and Winnipeg. The increased hours will allow the clinics to see more new patients during walk-in hours.

 “These new investments will allow an additional 176 women per year to access treatment beds and 500 more families to get early intervention mental health services,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen. “It will also expand on our successful RAAM clinics, connecting more people to receive the help they need for their addictions by adding resources at all locations.”

$985,000 is earmarked for an additional 16 treatment beds for women. These additional beds will mean up to 176 women who need treatment can be supported each year.

“Improving access to mental health and addictions supports and treatment is an important step in improving health outcomes for Manitobans.  Through expanded and more readily accessible treatment, we continue to head in the right direction,” said Dr. Ginette Poulin, medical director for the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.  “These significant investments will enhance services for individuals seeking mental health and addictions treatment as well as help support patients and their families in their journey through recovery and healing.”

A half million dollars will be spent on more mental health programming offered through Strongest Families Institute and will help an additional 500 families each year.

It is expected that these initiatives will come into place by the end of the summer.

Minister Friesen noted that these initiatives are in response to the Virgo report that identified the need for enhancing mental health and addictions capacity in the province.