LAKELAND – In November, Alberta Health Services (AHS) Addiction and Mental Health offices held open houses in the Lakeland region to mark National Addictions Awareness Week.
On Nov. 23, Addiction Services open houses were held in St. Paul, Bonnyville, and Cold Lake.
AHS told Lakeland This Week the events were held to help raise awareness on services provided by AHS Addiction and Mental Health in area communities. The open houses also give people the chance to meet some of the staff members.
In St. Paul, Samantha Bespalko, an addiction counsellor with the Addiction and Mental Health - Adult and Youth, said it was nice meeting people from the community. The open house was an opportunity for people to "meet the whole team [and] see what [services] we offer here.”
AHS stated they recognize “the importance of engaging Albertans as key partners in their care, and offers a range of services to help those facing mental health challenges or suffering from addiction live a more satisfying, hopeful and contributing life.”
While the path to recovery is different for everyone, recovery is possible, states AHS.
For initial appointments, Addiction Services walk-in clinics in Bonnyville, Cold Lake, and St. Paul are open Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments can be booked by calling 1-888-594-0211.
Services offered include addictions counselling for people of any age, as well as counselling for people with loved ones experiencing addiction.
For additional resources and self-help information for individuals struggling with addiction or mental health, they can also visit ahs.ca/helpintoughtimes
