The Guelph Rapid Access Addiction Clinic (RAAC) opened in June of 2017. Opioid investments from the WWLHIN in November 2017 meant that the RAAC could be expanded beyond Guelph. While the Kitchener RAAC has been open for a few weeks to get up and running, today was it’s official launch in the Kaufman Building at Grand River Hospital. The RAAC is funded by the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) and is a partner program led by Stonehenge Therapeutic Community and House of Friendship, and housed at the Withdrawal Management Centre of Grand River Hospital.
Speakers included Pam McIntosh (Executive Director, House of Friendship), Judy Linton (Vice President Clinical Services, Grand River Hospital), Dr. Trish Uniac (RAAC Physician), Kristin Kerr (Clinical Lead, Primary & Acute Care, Stonehenge TC), and Jim Harper (WWLHI Board Member). The goal is to spread the word about this new and innovative service so that people in the Kitchener area who are ready to make a change with their addiction know they have a place to go that is accessible and judgement-free. Rapid Access Addiction Clinics are walk-in style (no appointment needed for first visit) and provide the option to see a addiction physician or registered nurse, an addiction counsellor, or a peer support worker. The specific dates and times of the Kitchener RAAC can be found at the RAAC website or by calling toll-free to 1-844-722-2977.
