April 16, 2021
HANNA — Alberta Health Services (AHS) is now providing once-a-week walk-in addiction support for adults and youth, in addition to existing weekday services available through appointment.
Individuals can access walk-in addiction services Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m. upstairs at the Provincial Building, 401 Centre St.
“Alberta’s government recognizes that the best way to help people who struggle with addictions is to help them access counselling and treatment services,” says Associate Minister Jason Luan. “I commend the AHS addiction and mental health teams in Hanna for improving access to these services by offering them on a walk-in basis, as well as by appointment. It’s a move that will help save lives.”
The walk-in service will provide addiction counselling, as well as referrals to other community resources. The availability is held on Wednesdays to coincide with the operating hours of the community’s food bank, also located in the Provincial Building. Court proceedings and employment services are based in the same building.
“We were seeing some high-risk opiate use in the community and have responded by reducing some of the barriers for individuals accessing our services,” says Sherie Allen, Senior Operating Officer for Addiction & Mental Health in AHS Central Zone. “Scheduled appointments don’t always serve our clients, so we are meeting people where they’re at and providing an unscheduled option in a place and time that’s convenient to our clients.”
The new service can assist as many as six individuals each week.
Adults experiencing mental health difficulties can also walk in at that time for screening and referral support. Though not required, individuals can call in advance of their visit at 403-854-5276.
Addiction and mental health services continue to be offered by appointment for adults and youth Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the AHS Addiction & Mental Health clinic in the Hanna Health Centre. Call 403-854-5276 to book an appointment.
“The addition of walk-in counselling and treatment services in Hanna is welcome news for residents struggling with addiction and mental health issues, as well as for their loved ones,” says Nate Horner, MLA for Drumheller-Stettler. “Integrating these services with food bank and employment supports makes sense, and will make a difference in people’s lives.”
COVID-19 protocols are being followed at both walk-in and appointment locations. Screening, continuous masking, hand hygiene and physical distancing are required onsite.
As always, there are supports available 24/7 across Alberta through the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322 and the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642. There are also several resources available at www.ahs.ca/helpintoughtimes. Crisis services are available through the local emergency department or by calling 911.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
