RAAM

Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM)

A clinic to support individuals living with substance use issues.

RAAM clinics are now operating out of NorWest Community Health Centre and Dilico Anishinabek Care. RAAM clinics are offering in-person, telephone, and video appointments.

CALL (807) 626-8478 TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

What We Do

The RAAM Clinic offers specialized services and care for individuals seeking treatment for any substance use issue. The RAAM Clinic allows individuals experiencing substance use issues to receive counselling, appropriate addiction medications, and connections to community treatment programs. Our team offers judgement free services in a safe and healing environment.

Services are free of charge and include:

• Assessment of substance use concerns
• Review of treatment options including harm reduction and abstinence
• Prescription of addiction medications
• Education and support related to withdrawal
• Counselling and peer support services
• Education on overdose prevention and the use of Naloxone
• Referral to longer-term supports for ongoing care, if required
• Access to traditional healers and Indigenous cultural support.

Can the RAAM Clinic Help You?

We support individuals who:

• Are 16 years of age and older
• Need support to address substance use issues
• Need help to reduce cravings
• Need assistance if substance use is negatively impacting your life
• Are looking for a welcoming and judgement free place to talk about your substance use

Transportation can be provided if needed. Additional supports are available to those who need to obtain an Ontario Health Card.

What We Don’t Do

The RAAM Clinic does not provide:

• Diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain
• Narcotic prescriptions outside of narcotic dependence treatment protocols
• Long-term medical or addictions counselling services

The RAAM Clinic is not a medical detox, long-term addiction treatment facility or a family medicine clinic.

Are you a Care Provider?

If you wish to make a referral to the clinic, please complete and return the referral form.

What to Expect

A safe, non-judgmental space where individuals receive specialized services and care in a healing environment.

What to Bring

• List of all medications you are currently taking. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamin or mineral supplements and herbal remedies.
• Medications that you need to take. If you take medications during the day, bring them with you.
• Record of any changes. Notes about any changes that you’ve noticed since your last visit.
• A trusted friend or family member. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member. A support person can give you emotional support and can help you make decisions that are right for you. They can also help you gather information, take notes and ask questions. ​
• List of health care providers. Bring a list of health care providers you have seen in the past and who may have information about your medical needs, lab results that have been completed.
• Questions to ask. Bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you remember everything you want to ask​.

When You Arrive

The first person you meet at the RAAM Clinic is the RAAM Coordinator. You will need your Ontario Health Card (OHIP card). If you do not have one, we will support you to get one.

How Long Will Your Appointment Be?

Since we offer walk-in appointments, wait times will vary. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Your first appointment will take longer. For your first appointment, you may be at the Clinic for 2 hours or more. Follow-up appointments are typically shorter and can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. ​

Program Evaluation

Part of our work with you includes understanding whether the RAAM Clinic is making a difference in individual’s lives. You will be given materials to review including additional information d satisfaction surveys. Participation in all aspects of the program evaluation is completely voluntary. ​

Community Partners

A dedicated group of community partners have come together to support the RAAM Clinic. These organizations specialize in addictions medicine and client support services. The RAAM Clinic is supported by the following organizations:

• St Joseph’s Care Group (RAAM Clinic site)
• NorWest Community Health Centres (RAAM Clinic site)
• Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
• People Advocating for Change through Empowerment
• Thunder Bay Counselling
• Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
• Thunder Bay Drug Strategy