Adam Prudhomme
Editor
There’s no pause button on issues relating to addictions or mental health, even if the country is in the middle of a state of emergency.
That’s why although they’ve had to adjust how some of their services are delivered, Addictions Mental Health Services Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington continue to offer all programs.
“Modifications need to be made to services for the safety of everyone involved, but all our services are still operational,” said Jeremiah Bach, advanced practice lead with AMHS KFLA. “Our intakes are completely open for services, we’re still trying to make that as available as possible.”
Social distancing practices mean no walk-in services are offered at this time and group meetings have been put on hold.
Appointments for essential support services are still taking place at both the Napanee and Kingston offices, though clients are screened before arrival.
In cases of emergency, the 24 hour, seven day a week crisis line (613-354-7388 or toll free 1-800-267-7877) is always available. Residential programs and Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) services continue to operate as normal.
“If it’s a crisis prevention issue, our case manager workers or our addiction workers will be out there,” said Bach.”There’s no question. We are offering over the phone or over video, depending on people’s comfort level and providing support that way and that seems to be working well for a lot of folks.”
Bach says though they continue to prepare for a potential spike in their services in the fallout from the COVID-19 crisis, so far they’ve been pleasantly surprised.
“The emergency departments haven’t seen the numbers they thought they were going to see in Emergency in Kingston or surrounding area. There hasn’t been as high a number of ER visits for mental health as we thought there was going to be,” said Bach. “But still people are still definitely reaching out and we find we’re still able to handle those calls and we’ve got a skilled workforce doing that.”
“We realize people might be worried that the services aren’t operational, but we’re completely connected as many organizations are through the internet and conferencing,” added Bach.
For the latest updates on AMHS KFLA’s ongoing response to COVID-19, visit www.amhs-kfla.ca/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/.