M O A T Not Just Sink or

M. O. A. T Not Just Sink or Swim

Traditional and formal addictions services often have gaps; we work with our clients (community members), colleagues and partners to remove barriers and build bridges between “ us” and “them” in order to become “we”. -MOAT Team

Food is the major addiction of Americans and alcohol is "virtuous" if taken in moderation, the Alberta Conference on Alcohol Studies has been told. Dr. Nelson State Hospital, in a report delivered yesterday said food addicts die much sooner than alcohol addicts. Toledo Blade, Aug 25, 1955

“and recommended a change in the Criminal Code to provide a drug addiction clinic where addicts under treatment could obtain free drugs. ” Alberta Liberals Endorse Public Ownership of Power Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 19, 1962

A very, very brief history � Addiction was seen as a moral failure and as a criminal behaviour � In the past, access to addictions treatment has been mostly geared towards mainstream society by government institutions � Go to an office, get assessed, get referred � One approach that the government used was to place Addictions Counsellors with the community agencies that served high risk populations

History: How we came about �A RFP was sent out by Alberta Health Services to look at addressing the gap in addictions services for high risk, marginalized populations. �Boyle Street Community Services, Streetworks and George Spady Centre started on a collaborative project that eventually became the Mobile Outreach Addictions Team

Who we are �Management Team � Sandy Bergwall, Manger Mental Health Services BSCS � Marliss Taylor Program Manager, Streetworks � Lorette Garrick, Executive Director, George Spady Centre � Sandy Ericson, Manager, Community Safety BSCS

Who we are �The TEAM � Geoffrey Villebrun, Team Leader, MOAT � Chantelle Bailey, MOAT � Rosey Dodman, MOAT

Support � Patrick Teghtmeyer, AHS Addictions and Mental Health � Louise Rackel RN, Boyle Mc. Cauley Health Centre � Tammy Taylor, Addictions Counsellor, George Spady Centre � Jordan Jahrig and Mary Mc. Carthy Addictions Councellors AHS-Addiction Recovery Centre � All the staff and BSCS, GSC and Streetworks (btw, ty ll)

Partnerships �Boyle Street Community Services � Mental Health � Safer Communities �Streetworks �The George Spady Center

How it works �Referral Based (Limited Blind Referrals) �We have a process (Exciting!) �Follow up, Follow Up Service Users are not “dropped” or files aren’t “closed”

Why (we hope) it works *fingers crossed* �A Harm Reduction approach is taken with service users �Multi-Disciplinary team �Networking and Partnership building �Limited Blind Referrals (from workers and to other agencies) �Service continues along the spectrum �Advocacy strategies

Why (we hope) it works *fingers crossed* (Continued) �Outreach Component �Team members dedicate time to increase knowledge base �Develop appropriate resources

Outreach Component �Ability to go to client when needed �The part of our job that allows us to do our part to eliminate barriers as opposed to help creating them �Streetworks Needle Exchange Van �Parkland Outreach �Street Outreach �Safer Community Walks

Why is it different? An Addictions Counsellor’s perspective �Strategies used by team members vs. strategies taught in formal educational setting � Looking at it like a puzzle � How theory learned plays a part (pros and cons) � What population/counselling setting that education is geared towards

Why is this different? An outreach worker’s perspective � Most formal addictions services provided by established institutions are set up for main stream society � Institutions provide great service to the majority but, are often challenged to respond quickly to the needs of individuals with multiple and challenging barriers to service � Institutional Policy and Procedure are important but, can restrict the ability for accessible services

Why is this different? An outreach workers perspective �Working with individuals that have addictions can sometimes require a specific knowledge base that takes time and resources to develop �Having access to workers with this knowledge provides not only an avenue for access but, support and consultation for other workers that may have specialties in other areas

Challenges �Funding � if it works, is there money in the future? �Transitional Services � we know seamlessness works �Housing � what to do after

Opportunities/Solutions �Networking � most of us are aiming for the same goal, individuals engaged in healthier and safer lifestyles �Communication � increase in talking with other teams helps our clients �Fast Track Service � Need Detox? We might be able to help with that �Collaborative Case Management � it’s hard to do everything

Questions

Thank you! �Chantelle Bailey cbailey@boylestreet. org 780. 906. 3164 �Geoffrey Villebrun gvillebrun@boylestreet. org 780. 905. 9680 �Rosey Dodman rdodman@boylestreet. org 780. 906. 8752