Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is expanding the reach of its opioid dependency treatment program in the central region.
Mimi Carroll, the central zone director for mental health and addictions services, says the program is currently offered in the Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Gambo areas.
They are working on expanding the program to the Twillingate/New World Island area, and Baie Verte.
She says the program involves an interdisciplinary team, consisting of a nurse practitioner, addiction counsellor, and licensed practical nurses.
Carroll says they provide support for adults struggling with opioid use, and for people dealing with withdrawal. She calls it a “low barrier service,” meaning that people can self refer. They also offer medications, such as methadone.
Carroll acknowledges there is still a lot of stigma around addictions, and they want people to know that when they are ready, they can contact the team.
She says they can offer same day or next day access, “so there is no wait time.” She says sometimes it is a person’s family members who reach out, and it is important to take that step. She explains that someone may not be ready to speak with a nurse practitioner, but they may wish to speak with the addictions counsellor.