Just for clarification, I don't work at the VODP, although I did do some virtual stuff for a while with Grande Prairie. It's using a similar platform.

The VODP has been a phenomenal program. They're currently in the process of launching the virtual RAAM—rapid access addiction medicine—program. The difference between the two is that the VODP focuses just on opioids, whereas the RAAM program will focus on everything but opioids. This includes alcohol, methamphetamines, GHB and other substances.

What's remarkable about the program is that it's open almost 24-7. It's open seven days a week from nine to nine. I know they're thinking of expanding to 24-7.

The benefit of this program is that it's what we call a “low-threshold intervention”, meaning that anybody who has a substance use concern or anybody who works with someone who has a substance use concern can call their number and seek help. For example, people in rural communities can call the VODP number and seek help right away to get off their illicit substances and onto buprenorphine or methadone. If you are someone experiencing homelessness and don't have a phone, you can get someone to call the number for you, whether it's a social worker, a peer or a police officer.

The VODP has permeated multiple different systems and services. They include the homelessness sector—shelters specifically—and our corrections systems to a certain extent. They include our arrest processing units across the province as well. The reason the arrest processing units are particularly important, in my view, is that I've seen first-hand how some people can go through bad withdrawal within these facilities. From a humane perspective, the most appropriate thing to do is provide them with buprenorphine, which will take away the withdrawal symptoms so they're not in agony.

These are all benefits that we've seen with the VODP.

The virtual RAAM program has not yet launched, but it is going to be launching soon, hopefully. It was supposed to launch on October 1, so we'll see if it launches today.

This whole concept of low-threshold intervention is key. In terms of how this can be expanded across Canada, I there's a place for this in every jurisdiction. I know that Ontario has some programs. I know that B.C. is looking at expanding their programs as well. It has been a hugely successful program, and again, it's because anybody can access it provided they have a phone. If they don't have a phone, they just need to get someone to help and call the number. It's been incredibly helpful in that regard.

I'll leave it at that.

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