YORKTON, Sask. — People managing addiction withdrawal in Yorkton and surrounding areas can increasingly receive care where they are, rather than having to go to a hospital or other health facility, city council heard Monday.
Representatives from Medavie Health Services West presented an overview of the organization's Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program during Yorkton city council's Aug. 31 meeting.
The program, delivered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and funded through the provincial Ministry of Health, provides community-based health services focused on withdrawal management, mental health and addiction supports.
According to Medavie, the service is designed to bring care directly to clients rather than requiring them to attend a hospital or other health facilities. Community paramedics provide clinical assessments, wellness checks, vital sign monitoring, medication administration, health system navigation and follow-up care.
A significant focus of the Yorkton program is withdrawal management for individuals struggling with alcohol or opioid dependence.
Under the model, community paramedics conduct an intake assessment before consulting with a nurse practitioner or physician to develop a treatment plan. Patients are then monitored throughout the withdrawal process while being connected with longer-term supports and treatment resources within the community.
Council was told the program aims to improve access to health care while reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and hospital admissions.
The program accepts referrals from a variety of sources, including family physicians, nurse practitioners, mental health and addictions teams, social workers, police, hospitals, community organizations and family members. Individuals can also self-refer.
Medavie said community paramedics act as navigators, helping connect clients with additional services and supports once immediate medical needs have been addressed.
The Yorkton-based service is one of several Mobile Integrated Health programs operating in Saskatchewan. Other programs are based in communities including Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Wadena.
Medavie reported its Saskatchewan operations employ more than 50 team members, including paramedics and management staff, and handle more than 21,000 client contacts annually using seven response vehicles.
The presentation also emphasized the program's role in responding to community requests for addiction supports and advancing health-care access for vulnerable populations, including Indigenous residents.
Mayor Aaron Kienle said he was impressed by the program's approach, noting services can be delivered in homes or other locations where clients feel most comfortable seeking help.
Council heard the initiative aligns with broader efforts to expand community-based health care and support recovery closer to home.
"Just really meeting people where they're at for their health care needs, I think is so incredibly important," Kienle said. "I'm thankful for the work they're doing in our community."
