Saskatchewan expands virtual access to addiction medicine

The Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine program was launched in January 2026.

Saskatchewan is expanding its Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine (VAAM) program.

VAAM gives Saskatchewan residents with substance abuse disorders access to physicians, nurses and counsellors who specialize in addiction medicine.

The program is adding Arborfield, Carrot River, Choiceland, Esterhazy, Hudson Bay, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Melville, Pinehouse, Porcupine Plan, La Ronge, Tisdale and Yorkton to its coverage areas.

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“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 in a Wednesday media release.

“Expanding this program will help more residents across our province on their recovery journey.”

The expansion seeks to make it easier for people in rural and remote areas to access care, especially if there’s no local prescriber.

The VAAM program facilitates intake, assessment and treatment through videoconferencing or telephone in collaboration with existing local supports like urine drug screening, mental health and addiction outpatient services for counselling as well as pharmacists for dispensing medication.

“Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine is continuing to bring care closer to home for the people across Saskatchewan,” said Zoe Teed McKay, executive director of mental health and addictions services at the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

“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 VAAM program receives part of the provincial government’s $3.6 million increase to addictions, which also supports existing Opioid Agonist Therapy programs.

VAAM was launched in January in Lloydminster, Nipawin, Cumberland House Cree Nation and the Northern Village of Cumberland House.

The program was launched alongside detox and treatment centres across the province.

Those seeking access to the VAAM program must:

• be 18 years of age or older,
• live in the participating communities or attending a detox/recovery treatment centre in the province
• want help with substance use (eg. opioid, alcohol, stimulant or benzodiazepine)
• be open to discussing treatment options, including medication
• Not currently have a prescriber