City council makes moves to improve addiction recovery and shelter space in Red Deer
Mobile rapid access addiction medical services (M-RAAM) are coming to downtown Red Deer after city council unanimously approved a development permit for the project in the November 12 regular meeting.
The M-RAAM services will be coming to a lot (5256 53 Avenue) owned by Safe Harbour Society, and they are expected to commence on December 1, 2024. While the name implies mobility, the services will be offered from a trailer that will remain stationary on the lot.
The space will be operated by Recovery Alberta and staffed with nurses and other health professionals offering the following services:
- Screening, brief intervention, and referrals/warm hand-offs
- Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of substance use disorders and concurrent mental health disorders
- Initiation of pharmacotherapy for treating withdrawal from substance use or substance use disorders (i.e. anti-craving medication)
- Harm reduction education and drug poisoning prevention
- Primary health care assessments and minor wound care
- Counselling
- Assistance in obtaining Alberta Health Care and government-issued identification