Holistic Approach to Care Improves Access to Services

Taking a closer look at how the Opioid Dependence Treatment Hub serves clients in the Labrador-Grenfell Zone

When you enter the Opioid Dependence Treatment Hub (ODT Hub) in Happy Valley – Goose Bay, there is a sense of coming to a familiar place – a welcoming place that is light and peaceful.

“This is really the kind of environment we were hoping to create here,” says Brenda Kennedy, ODT Hub coordinator. “We want clients to feel comfortable to come into the hub and get the services they need.”

Welcoming images and messages displayed on the wall of the ODT Hub

The program has improved access to opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for individuals living with opioid use disorder.  The ODT program offers suboxone, methadone, withdrawal support, counselling support, family support, links to resources, free naloxone and safe supplies. In-person, telephone and telehealth services are available throughout the zone without the barrier of needing a referral.

“Mental Health and Addictions staff at all sites are aware of the services provided at the ODT Hub,” says Brenda. “If a client identifies a need for ODT services, they would be directed to the program. They can also be referred through 811, Doorways, and Bridge the gapp.”

The ODT Program in the Labrador-Grenfell Zone is unique as it also offers primary health care to all individuals connected with the program. This includes the management of acute and chronic disease, both physical and mental health needs for all individuals.

“People living with opioid use disorder often have complex health needs, including elevated rates of morbidity and mortality; therefore, access to a health-care provider to address all biopsychosocial needs is crucial to improve short and long-term health outcomes and the well-being of these individuals,” says Dr. Sherry George, director of Mental Health and Addictions for Labrador-Grenfell Zone of NL Health Services.

“Substance use issues often cause individuals to avoid health-care systems due to systemic stigma,” adds Sherry. “The ODT program is a health-care access point for these vulnerable populations who deserve to receive the best possible quality care to meet their needs.” 

L-R:, Laura Belben, ODT manager; Brenda Kennedy, ODT coordinator; Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada; Dr. Sherry George director mental health and addictions; Cathy Bennett, clerk; Martha North, ODT nurse practitioner;
and Andrew Case, peer support worker. 

The ODT program also offers sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infection screening and treatment, as well as treatment for Hepatitis C. Individuals without a family care provider who are seeking inpatient treatment for adult addictions can also have the required medicals for admission completed through the program.

The innovative work happening at the ODT Hub in NL Health Services’ Labrador-Grenfell Zone is gaining momentum and has been recognized as best practice to providing care, not only across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, but also across the country.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, recently visited the ODT Hub as part of a Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour. During the visit, the Governor General, along with Margaret Eaton, national chief executive officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association, participated in a training session to learn how to safely administer naloxone. The pair also heard first-hand from individuals with lived experience using the ODT Hub.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Margaret Eaton, national chief executive officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association, chatting with members of the ODT Hub team, as well as clients with lived experience as part of the Mental Health Listening and Learning Tour.
 
L-R: Andrew Case, peer support worker, and Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

For more information:

Help is available for you and your family if you are a youth or adult and have concerns related to opioid use or want help to reduce the physical, mental and emotional withdrawal symptoms.

Please don’t hesitate to talk to your primary health care provider, or a mental health and addictions counsellor, about the best options for you. You can contact the Labrador-Grenfell Zone Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) Hub directly at:

• Call (709) 897-2125, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• In-person (appointment or walk-in), telephone and Telehealth service is available throughout the zone