DURHAM REGION – To increase access to critical addictions supports in Durham Region, Lakeridge Health has launched a new virtual access point to its renowned Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic.
“We’re excited to launch the new virtual RAAM,” said Dr. Caryn Green, Division Head, Addiction Medicine, Lakeridge Health. “Having easy online access to quality addiction care supports our patients getting help on the same day that they are ready. This is a powerful intervention and builds on the success of our in-person RAAM clinic which has helped thousands of people.”
“We know it can be challenging for Durham Region residents living in more rural or remote areas to access the in-person RAAM clinic for substance use issues or concerns, such as alcohol, opioids, stimulants and other substances,” said Tara Yim, Nurse Practitioner, Addictions and Mental Health, Lakeridge Health. “The virtual RAAM means people can receive care in any location using an Internet-enabled device.”
The new Virtual RAAM is accessed via a portal on the Lakeridge Health website, or directly at lh.accessraam.ca. Through this online portal, staff assess the client’s needs and goals, and coordinate a service plan. This may include referrals to counselling and withdrawal management programs or in-person appointments. The Virtual RAAM will complement the traditional, in-person clinic at Pinewood Centre.
“Lakeridge Health’s in-person RAAM Clinic plays a critical role in addressing the growing issue of alcohol and drug-related substance use in Durham Region,” said Beth Brannon, Senior Director Mental Health and Addictions, Lakeridge Health. “We’re hopeful that the new Virtual RAAM will further reduce barriers to care and provide increased support for individuals not currently connected to recovery services.”
Lakeridge Health has partnered with The Royal, a mental health facility in Ottawa, which developed a virtual platform called Digital Front Door. The online portal was developed to reduce pandemic-related barriers to service. Lakeridge Health is one of nine partners in Ontario to implement this initiative.
“At Lakeridge Health, we’re focused on providing the right services, from the right people, at the right time wherever a person needs it,” said Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “We’re proud that through this unique partnership and collaboration with The Royal, Lakeridge Health continues to achieve a system of care that’s tailored to an individual’s needs and reflects our commitment to creating an accessible, equitable, and easy to navigate mental health system.”
The Virtual RAAM will be open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., no appointment necessary. In addition, the in-person RAAM Clinic at Pinewood Centre located at 300 Centre Street South in Oshawa is open for walk-ins from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday. To learn more about the RAAM services offered at Pinewood Centre, visit the Lakeridge Health website.
The new Virtual RAAM is an important part of Together, Best Mental Health – Lakeridge Health’s multi-year plan to deliver an integrated system of mental health and substance use care in Durham Region.
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About Lakeridge Health
With five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a full range of medical and surgical specialties, and more than 20 community health-care locations, Lakeridge Health offers some of the broadest and most comprehensive range of acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care services in Ontario.
Lakeridge Health is home to several regional specialty centres and services, including the Central East Regional Cancer Program, R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, The Shoulder Centre, and eye care and chronic kidney disease services. Additionally, we are proud to serve our community with a full suite of inpatient, ambulatory, and community-based mental health and addictions services, as well as provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care in our state-of-the-art long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens.
Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of more than 7,700 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is working in collaboration with its Durham Ontario Health Team, primary care, and community partners to foster a truly integrated, regional system of care. Together, we are focused on empowering people to live their best health and fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.
For information contact:
Sharon Navarro
Manager, Public Relations and Digital Communications
Lakeridge Health
905-453-7889
snavarro@lh.ca
