The VAAM program provides Saskatchewan residents with substance use disorder access to physicians, nurses and counsellors who specialize in addiction medicine. (Image Credit: ID 191123368 © Dark1elf | Dreamstime.com)

By paNOW Staff

reducing transportation barriers

Province expands virtual addictions treatment to more Saskatchewan communities

May 13, 2026 | 10:28 AM

Saskatchewan is widening access to virtual addictions care, adding a dozen communities to a program aimed at helping people get treatment closer to home.

The Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine program, known as VAAM, is being extended to Arborfield, Carrot River, Choiceland, Esterhazy, Hudson Bay, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, La Ronge, Melville, Pinehouse, Porcupine Plain, Tisdale and Yorkton, along with surrounding areas.

The service connects Saskatchewan residents living with substance use disorder to physicians, nurses and counsellors with training in addiction medicine. It is intended to improve access for people in rural and remote communities, particularly where there is no local prescriber available.

“This program reduces transportation barriers and improves access to life saving addiction medicine for individuals with substance use disorder,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said. “Expanding this program will help more residents across our province on their recovery journey.”

Patients can receive intake, assessment and treatment by video conference or phone, with support from local services including laboratories for urine drug screening, outpatient mental health and addictions programs for counselling, and pharmacists who dispense medication.

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“Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine is continuing to bring care closer to home for the people across Saskatchewan,” Mental Health and Addictions Services SHA Executive Director Zoe Teed McKay said. “By offering timely, virtual access to physicians, nurses and counsellors, we are reducing barriers and meeting people where they are. This patients-first approach supports people navigating challenges with substance use in accessing compassionate, respectful care and connecting to the services they need on their well-being and recovery journey.”

The provincial government said it has committed $3.6 million to boost access to addiction medicine, including the VAAM program and added support for existing opioid agonist therapy programs.

VAAM was first introduced in January in Lloydminster, Nipawin and Cumberland House Cree Nation and Northern Village, as well as at detox and treatment centres throughout Saskatchewan.

The program is open to people aged 18 and older who live in participating communities or are attending a detox or recovery treatment centre in Saskatchewan, want help for substance use involving opioids, alcohol, stimulants or benzodiazepines, are willing to discuss treatment options including medication, and do not already have a prescriber.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

Province expands virtual addictions treatment to more Saskatchewan communities

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