An Indigenous-led clinic in Manitoba’s Island Lake region, the Manitoba Anisininew Mobile Addiction Network, is addressing the dire need for substance addiction services in remote First Nations communities. Opened in April, the clinic has already enrolled 15 patients for opioid dependency treatment, but the waitlist is growing, with over 60 people seeking help. Located in Winnipeg, the clinic offers services like harm reduction, prescriptions, and referrals, directly bringing addiction treatment closer to residents of Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Red Sucker Lake, and Wasagamack First Nations. Prior to this, residents had to travel to Winnipeg for care, a barrier that has been life-changing for many.
The clinic has faced challenges, including delays caused by wildfires that displaced residents, but it provided harm-reduction supplies to evacuees and directed them to available treatments. Despite these hurdles, the clinic has made progress, including successful visits to Garden Hill and Red Sucker Lake, where 15 people began their treatment with suboxone for opioid withdrawal.
Community leaders, including Councillor Vernon Monias and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, emphasize the urgent need for culturally appropriate addiction services in the region. The clinic’s success highlights the necessity for more support, and officials are hopeful that provincial and federal funding will follow.
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