WINNIPEG The Manitoba government announced on Tuesday that it’s providing $889,000 for eight beds to support patient transfers from Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) clinics. Health Minister Cameron Friesen made the announcement in a news release, noting the funding will be provided over three years. Friesen said the ability to transfer patients to withdrawal management services is critical to the success and sustainability of Winnipeg’s RAAM clinics. “These beds will support RAAM patients experiencing withdrawal issues, reducing barriers to care, shortening wait times and ensuring quicker access to substance-use disorder treatment,” he said. RAAM clinics provide counselling, prescribe medications, and connect patients to treatment programs and primary care physicians. Patients who need help with withdrawal symptoms are transferred to withdrawal management services.