Two Timmins doctors transforming the way people access addictions treatments sat down to talk with the Ontario Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions for a podcast.
In Michael Tibollo's most recent episode of D-Talks, he talked to Dr. Louisa Marion-Bellemare and Dr. Julie Samson.
For the past couple of years, the doctors have been working to address the local opiate crisis and change the way people think about addiction.
Referring to Marion-Bellemare and Samson as the "dynamic duo", Tibollo's inspired by their work.
“The work they’re doing is not only exemplary in the City of Timmins, but also a leading example of what can be done when two doctors take their vocation to heart and really want to make a difference in people’s lives,” he said.
Running about 30 minutes, in the episode, the local doctors share their story about how their work to change the system started on their morning runs and the steps that have been taken so far.
Related: Doctors' work to address opioid crisis earns national recognition
Since deciding to tackle the issue together,
They've developed an addictions management team and advocated for two designated detox beds at Timmins and District Hospital. A primary care clinic at Living Space has been created and they've started a virtual clinic for addictions management in Attawapiskat. They're also working with police and paramedics.
This spring, Safe Health Site Timmins — a temporary safe injection site — is expected to open its doors. It will be located in the former Living Space site on Cedar Street North and is awaiting Health Canada approval.
“To be transformational, you have to really believe in what you’re doing and you epitomize vocation. From the first day that I met you I could tell that you’re so passionate about what you do and you’re making a huge difference and the ripple effects are not only in Timmins, they’re being felt everywhere,” Tibollo told the doctors in the episode.
In the not-too-distant future, Tibollo revealed he expects to be in the area again to talk about other pieces to build into the system.
He's also looking at how the work the doctors are doing can be replicated.
Watch the full episode here: