Since opening its doors in October 2020, Portage la Prairie’s Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) Clinic has become a cornerstone for individuals experiencing substance use challenges across the southern region. Designed to remove barriers and offer a safe and welcoming space for addictions support, the clinic has steadily grown into a trusted safe space for community members seeking help, connection, or a warm place to grab a coffee and a snack. No referrals are required—walk-ins are always welcome, and the RAAM team welcomes anyone seeking information, guidance, or support related to substance use and addictions.

The clinic is staffed by a dedicated team of three full-time professionals, a recovery health nurse, a rehabilitation counsellor, and an administrative assistant—alongside four consulting physicians who provide specialized medical guidance. Counsellors at the clinic also offer coaching and support to family members and peers, recognizing that recovery is a journey that often involves the entire support network. Together, this multidisciplinary team ensures that anyone who walks through the door can receive person-centered care without judgment.

Beyond clinical support, the RAAM clinic strives to create a warm, community-focused environment. Visitors are encouraged to come in for a cup of coffee, a snack, or a friendly conversation. Essential personal items such as weather-appropriate clothing, toiletries, and sanitary products are also available, many generously donated by members of the public. Adding to the supportive atmosphere are two beloved neighborhood cats, Inky and Thunder, who come and go as they please. Their calming presence and quiet affection provide unexpected morale support to individuals and families seeking care.

This spirit of community involvement extends beyond the clinic walls. On the property sits a thriving community garden supported by clients in the Intensive Case Management (ICM) program as part of their recreation and engagement activities. The garden provides meaningful opportunities for connection, skill-building, and recovery-focused routines. All produce grown is made available to anyone visiting the RAAM clinic, reinforcing the centre’s focus on dignity, nourishment, and shared community care.

“One thing I hope that clients and their families walk away knowing is that we care and we will never turn you away,” says Recovery Health Nurse, Karie Mooney.

Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the RAAM clinic’s staff are available throughout the day to answer questions, offer guidance, support recovery planning, and provide harm-reduction supplies when needed. Whether someone is seeking treatment options, withdrawal-management, support to those affected by a loved one who is living with substance use or simply a place to connect, the RAAM clinic remains committed to meeting people exactly where they are.

In addition to in-person services, RAAM services are also offered through Digital Front Door (DFD), a virtual drop-in option that allows individuals to connect with RAAM services from wherever they are using a phone, tablet, or computer. The DFD operates much like familiar video apps and meets provincial privacy standards, ensuring appointments aren’t recorded while enabling secure communication with RAAM staff.

Led by nurses, virtual clinics provide immediate support and can arrange follow-up care with a provider either virtually or in person when needed.

The Digital Front Door is available Monday through Friday at scheduled times across RAAM locations including Portage la Prairie, helping reduce barriers like travel, transportation, and stigma while providing the public with another way to access low-barrier addictions support without an appointment. For more information about this services, please visit the Shared Health website.