As Kamloops grapples with an increasing wave of drug-related deaths, how is the VAM Clinic altering access to addiction treatment?
A quiet revolution in addiction treatment is taking place deep in British Columbia’s interior. Interior Health’s Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) Clinic’s innovative self-referral option has provided a lifeline for Kamloops people struggling with alcohol or opioid addiction. This groundbreaking service, launched in September 2024, avoids current obstacles to treatment, allowing individuals to seek help directly through a simple online form. For a community dealing with the ongoing dangerous drug crisis, this digital gateway to treatment is more than convenience; it’s a possible lifesaver, providing hope and fast access to specialised care when every instant counts.
The opioid crisis has thrown a long shadow on Kamloops, with overdose deaths up 140% between 2019 and 2020. In 2019, the city mourned the deaths of 25 people; by 2020, the figure had risen to 60. This alarming trend continued, with 2022 being the bloodiest year for drug-related deaths. The pandemic worsened the problem, as indicated by BC Emergency Health Services records, which show a 56% rise in overdose-related calls in the Interior Health region from 1,332 in 2019 to 2,077 in 2020.
During a recent news conference, Dr. Carol Fenton, a medical health officer of Interior Health, emphasised the gravity of the crisis, saying, “The hazardous drug supply is killing our friends, family members, and neighbours at an unprecedented rate. We’re dealing with a poisoning epidemic, not an addiction crisis.”
The self-referral process at the Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) Clinic is changing the way Kamloops residents get addiction treatment. Unlike the former system, which required physician referrals, patients can now request appointments directly through a simple online form at interiorhealth.ca/vam. Dr. Todd Thexton, Medical Lead for the VAM Clinic, stated in a press conference, “We have streamlined the procedure to assure a quick response. Typically, a clinician calls the applicant within one business day to set up a phone or video appointment.” This digitally driven approach not only shortens wait times, but also provides greater privacy and flexibility. The VAM team then works with clients to create personalised treatment regimens such as opioid agonist medication.
Building on the VAM Clinic approach, the social impact of this new system is clearly demonstrated via the experiences of those it seeks to assist. During a recent interview at the Crossroads ASK Wellness facility in Kamloops, I chatted with James, a 45-year-old Kamloops resident who has fought heroin addiction for two decades. James, who was unaware of the VAM program prior to our chat, exhibited cautious hope when we discussed the self-referral option. “It’s as if they’re meeting us exactly where we are, you know? There are no judgements or hoops to jump through. “Just help when you need it,” he continued, his voice full of optimism.
James’s tale is not unique; it is part of a broader storyline unfolding throughout Kamloops. The VAM Clinic’s self-referral system was specifically developed for people like him, providing a lifeline when established channels have failed. For James, the potential of overcoming usual barriers was especially appealing. “I tried the system before, but it didn’t always work for me. “The idea of receiving a personalised treatment plan, possibly even medication to help with cravings or withdrawal, sounds like it could make a significant difference,” he added, emphasising the potential life-changing impact of the VAM Clinic’s user-centred approach.
Interior Health’s Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) Clinic has prompted an influx of reactions from Kamloops-based organisations dedicated to assisting vulnerable populations. The Canadian Mental Health Association’s Kamloops Branch, which supports over 1,300 people locally, sees the self-referral option as a huge step towards breaking down mental health stigmas. Alfred Achoba, Executive Director of CMHA Kamloops, remarked in a recent press release, “This virtual clinic aligns with our mission to create inclusive opportunities for individuals to thrive.” Similarly, the BC Association of Social Workers (BCASW) regards the VAM Clinic as an important tool for social workers to better help their clients.
ASK Wellness Society, a community-based organisation dedicated to combating homelessness and addiction in Kamloops, is in the forefront of this effort. Nick, a tenant support worker at ASK Wellness, shared his thoughts during our interview. “The VAM Clinic’s self-referral option is a game-changer for vulnerable populations,” Nick told me. “It removes major obstacles to accessing addiction treatment by allowing individuals to refer themselves without needing a doctor’s referral.” Nick did, however, outline potential implementation issues. “One of the primary challenges will be ensuring that everyone who needs this service is aware of it and understands how to use it,” according to him. “Many of the individuals we work with may not have regular access to the internet or technology needed for virtual consultations.” Despite these challenges, Nick is hopeful about the VAM Clinic’s potential impact, emphasising the significance of offering opportunities for individuals to get treatment when they need it the most.
As the Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) Clinic grows, its impact on Kamloops and the neighbouring areas grows. Dr. Todd Thexton, Medical Lead for the VAM Clinic, emphasised the program’s adaptability during a recent press conference, saying, “We’re always modifying our approach based on feedback from clients and community partners. Our goal is to make addiction treatment as accessible and efficient as feasible.” This dedication to progress is shown in the clinic’s efforts to integrate with the province-wide Opioid Treatment Access Line, which will simplify the process for those seeking assistance.
The establishment of the VAM Clinic’s self-referral option represents a big step forward in combating the current toxic drug crisis. For people like James and many others battling with addiction in Kamloops, this unique method provides not only therapy but also hope. As the community grapples with addiction issues, the VAM Clinic serves as a symbol of progress, providing critical tools and unwavering support that pave the way for recovery.
Citations
BC Coroners Service. (2024, August 31). Kamloops loses eight lives in July due to toxic drug crisis. CFJC Today. Retrieved from https://cfjctoday.com/2024/08/31/kamloops-loses-eight-lives-in-july-due-to-toxic-drug-crisis/
Interior Health. (n.d.). Virtual Addiction Medicine (VAM) Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.interiorhealth.ca/services/virtual-addiction-medicine-vam-clinic
Government of British Columbia. (2024, May 31). Expanded clinic will deliver more mental-health, addictions care for Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Retrieved from https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024MMHA0028-000846
TELUS. (2024, September 18). TELUS and ASK Wellness Society bring innovative Health for Good mobile clinic to Kamloops and Merritt. Retrieved from https://www.telus.com/en/about/news-and-events/media-releases/TELUS-and-ASK-Wellness-Society-bring-innovative-Health-for-Good-mobile-clinic-to-Kamloops-and-Merritt
Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario. (n.d.). Getting help. Retrieved from https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/getting-help/
Headline: Instead of saying VAM (which the reader has no idea what it is), say ‘mobile clinic’.
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