Fraser Health introduces service to improve support for those with substance abuse

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CHILLIWACK — Fraser Health says it is introducing a phone-based service to make it easier for residents to get support for substance use. The call will connect them directly to clinicians for assessment and care.

The new service is called Access Central. It quickly connects adults with a clinician, which allows the person to receive the appropriate treatment in a single step.

Access Central will be available to residents of the Fraser Health region who are 19 and older.  People can call the Fraser Health’s line for Mental Health and Substance Use at 1 833 866-6478 or request a callback from a clinician through the health authority’s website. Access Central will operate seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Depending on a person’s needs, clinicians can complete a virtual assessment or arrange an in-person appointment. Support available through the service includes same-day or next-day clinical assessments, bed-based medical withdrawal management, substance-use education, group counselling and medical treatment for opioid, alcohol, stimulant or other substance-use concerns.

“Access Central provides timely clinical assessment, treatment and coordinated connections to care,” said Sarah Mark, an addiction medicine physician with Fraser Health. “Together, we make what can feel like an intimidating process easier so people and their natural supports can access the right services without having to navigate the system alone.”

The program can also help arrange transportation for people who need assistance getting to treatment locations.