Walk In Addiction Clinic

The Province of Manitoba announces opening of first walk-in addiction clinic today.  This will be the first of five in the province.  The clinics will welcome walk-in visits from people battling addictions, who can be referred for immediate care.  

The Manitoba Health Minister indicates that no appointments are necessary.  

The Clinics are modeled after facilities in Ontario.  The Health Minister says the province doesn't believe this investment is enough to eradicate Manitoba's addictions issues.  

Well, I should say not.  

I generally see myself as a positive person so it does pain me to be all "Debbie Downer" about this announcement.  I mean, I guess, something is better than nothing, but really, a walk-in addiction clinic.  If you read the actual news release, you will find that the walk-in clinic will only be open on three week days, and only for 2 hours each day that it is open.  People who are living with addiction often have to hit bottom before they seek treatment or have some precipitating event causing them to seek help.  People who are seeking help seldom fit into a two hour week day window.  

And, it is great that the clinic will refer immediately for treatment.  Referred where?  I think that is the crux of the issue.  There is not enough treatment beds.  Waiting lists are so huge that even if someone is motivated when they walk in to a walk-in clinic, they likely can't hold on to that motivation for a year to actually get treatment.  

Plus, they are modeled about facilities in Ontario.  Which government, I wonder?  The Doug Ford Government or the Kathleen Wynne administration.  Neither one has/will be very successful.  Why not actually consult with the people in Manitoba to get their input.  Why not treat addicts with the humanity that we extend on our licence plates?  Be friendly and consult the people who are addicts on the strategy to help.  We might be surprised at how many roadblocks are in their way and equally surprised at how many actually want help.