Concerns over health, family, the economy and many other factors has made some residents of the municipality turn to substance abuse, or suffer mental issues.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is expanding hours for the Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine Clinic.
Alan Stevenson, Vice President of Mental Health and Addictions, says referrals are up about 50% since March.
“From March and April, around 21-22 referrals, whereas by July and August, we’re (up to) 31-35 referrals,” Stevenson says. “So far in September, we’re seeing that kind of increase is consistent, so we anticipate that trend is continuing.”
Stevenson says the Health Alliance is reallocating some resources to expand the hours of operation by one hour, three days a week.
The RAAM clinic will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-4 pm, operating out of its temporary location at 240 Grand Ave. West, Suite 204 in Chatham.
