EDMONTON – LIVING – Alberta is investing $4.5 million over three years to expand the award-winning Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) so it can provide more comprehensive support for youth and young adults in their pursuit of recovery from opioid addiction, including treatment medication on demand with no fees or waitlists!
The province of Alberta is investing $4.5 million over three years to expand an innovative program that provides treatment on demand for people struggling with opioid addiction – the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP).
“Too many young Albertans continue to lose their lives to opioids. With this new funding, we’re helping more youth access evidence-based, compassionate care through the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program. These treatments are not only life-changing – they’re life-saving,” stated Nicholas Milliken, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
“We are fully committed to protecting and helping vulnerable youth impacted by the opioid crisis. We need to do more to stop the increasing rates of opioid deaths in young Albertans receiving intervention services. Expanding this virtual opioid treatment program will improve their treatment outcomes and specifically reduce overdose deaths in young Albertans receiving intervention services,” added Mickey Amery, Minister of Children’s Services.
Through VOEHP, any Albertan can receive same-day access and without fees or waitlists, so they may get help as soon as possible.
The new funding will help support youth and young adults who are struggling with opioid addiction. The team of professionals that this program provides includes a variety of services, including rapid assessments, virtual treatment plans as well as ongoing care for those living in group settings or their own homes; recovery-oriented programming designed specifically towards helping these kids develop healthy relationships post-rehab (whether they decide to stay sober); peer counselling which gives them someone else who can give positive encouragement when needed most during tough moments, and parent education workshops so you can best raise your child.
The new funding will allow for 100 more youth and young adults to access opioid addiction treatment every year. This includes a team of health professionals dedicated specifically to supporting this population, including rapid assessments and virtual care programs that provide ongoing support after recovery is complete! There are also peer activities designed just for them – all aimed at helping you get back on your feet again.
