SAULT STE. MARIE -- Despite only being open for about one week, a new methadone clinic in Sault Ste. Marie already is showing signs of high demand for its services.
Recovery North, an affiliated clinic of Northwood Recovery in Sudbury, launched on January 11 and according to one nurse at the site, has already seen over 130 clients come through its doors.
"As the numbers show, it's one week right and look at how many people are already utilizing this service," said Nicole Atkinson. "People definitely need more services here."
Even through the pandemic, the clinic is offering both walk-in and same day appointments.
"Our biggest compliment so far is that our clients are able to get their medication right here," said Atkinson. "It stops them from having to go to multiple different places."
Addictions and Mental Health Advocates, a Sault-based advocacy group, said it's no surprise that demand for the clinic's services is high.
"Tell me we don't need a detox centre or even a treatment centre in Sault Ste. Marie," said Donna DeSimon, the founder of the group. "For that kind of client response, in one week? Come on."
DeSimon's group has been pleading for more government funding in order to provide the Sault with one of those facilities.
An executive with the group said that so far, it's been a lot of talk and little action.
"The core of our city is dying, those statistics prove in abundance here," said Libertine Wilson. "So I would ask [politicians] to put their time and a little bit of effort where their money is and help us out."
The group had set up meetings with the city and Sault M.P.P Ross Romano.
Funding from the Ford government was discussed, but so far, it remains to be seen when that might come.
