Portage la Prairie will be home to Manitoba's latest Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinic.

The new clinic, to be located at 159 5th Street SE, is intended to help people struggling with high-risk substance use and addictions and is expected to be operational by the end of the month.

"RAAM clinics have been successful in providing patients with the ability to receive assessment and counselling, be prescribed appropriate medication and directed to community treatment programs and primary care physicians," said Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living, Cameron Friesen. "Locating a clinic in Portage la Prairie will provide people in this community and health region with timely access to treatment and assistance in navigating the health system more easily."

An addictions physician and a combination of nurses and counsellors typically staff RAAM clinics. There will be two half-day walk-in clinics per week where appointments are not necessary. In addition, nurses and counsellors will be available for appointments with registered patients from Monday to Friday. More information regarding the schedule for walk-in clinics will be made available before the Portage la Prairie clinic opens in late October.

"When people living with substance use disorders seek help, it is important they receive it in a timely manner," said Jane Curtis, CEO, Southern Health Santé Sud. "The establishment of Southern Health–Santé Sud’s first RAAM clinic will ensure people living in the Portage la Prairie area receive that help with improved substance use and addiction supports that point individuals on the road towards treatment and recovery."

Since August of 2018, nearly 4000 patients have used RAAM services at locations across the province.