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Access to medical treatment for opioids has been expanded following the expansion of Interior Health's opioid agonist treatment (OAT) clinic, announced this afternoon.
The OAT clinic is located in the Kelowna Community Health Services Center at 505 Doyle Avenue. and serves people living throughout the central Okanagan.
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The addition of three new doctors and two nurse practitioners this winter has allowed the clinic to provide appointments in the evening and on weekends. The number of people receiving treatment should double, according to the health authority.
"Every day, here in Kelowna and British Columbia, we see how OAT saves lives, reduces withdrawal symptoms, and helps people find the path to healing and hope." said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. "By expanding access to this life-saving treatment, more people will be able to get the help they need when they need it."
OAT is an evidence-based first-line treatment that uses prescribed medications, such as suboxone and methadone.
Medications provide long-term relief from withdrawal and cravings, and help people lead more stable lives.
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People like Andrew Leeking of Kelowna, who has been receiving OAT since July 2018. Andrew calls the health service "a lifeline".
"My little girl has always looked at me as if I were Superman, and I want to become Superman again," he says. "I've always been a dedicated worker and a friend, but when you consume heroin on the street, it's taken away from you. It allows me to become Andrew again at age 52. It also allows me to really understand things this time – to actually investigate the reasons for what I'm doing, because drugs do not bother my head. "
According to Interior Health, people who participate in this program are usually able to stabilize quickly so they can focus on other aspects of their lives, such as participation in other treatment goals and recovery. connections with family and friends
The recent increase in the number of hours has allowed the clinic to adopt a quick access model, with direct access to a prescriber every day from 9:00 to 11:00.
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Weekend and evening appointments were added in response to customer feedback that many people are missing an appointment because they have to be at work.
"Particularly given the urgency brought on by an overdose, we need to eliminate as many barriers as possible to services," said Doug Cochrane, chair of the Health Council of the Interior. "OAT is an essential service for many people with opioid use disorders. In addition to treating their symptoms, we always hear that this treatment gives people hope. "
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In 2018, Interior Health recorded a total of 232 overdose deaths of illicit drugs.
For more information on OAT, talk to your primary care provider or contact your local Interior Health Mental Health and Addiction Center.
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