A new clinic focused exclusively on veteran healthcare has opened in Langford, which is believed to be the first of its kind in Greater Victoria.
Whilst on the surface the primary focus of Avail Veterans Clinic is medical cannabis, Adam Cyr, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran who will run the clinic, says it will also offer a space for people to come and talk.
B次元官网网址淚n my experience, a lot of vets tend to get closed off when they get out of the military,B次元官网网址� said Cyr, who joined the Canadian Army in 1995 and served 20 years in the Infantry with both the Royal Regina Rifles and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. B次元官网网址淭his allows them to come in, hang out and talk to other veterans and share their experiences. WeB次元官网网址檙e more than just medical marijuana.B次元官网网址�
Funded in partnership with the clinicB次元官网网址檚 network of cannabis producers, the clinic will also arrange group outings for veterans.
B次元官网网址淎nother cool thing we do is run a bunch of high level excursions and expeditions,B次元官网网址� said Cyr. B次元官网网址淭hings like hikes, hunting, kayaking and ski trips. WeB次元官网网址檙e going to Port Renfrew for a fishing trip next week.B次元官网网址�
During his time in the military, Cyr completed two tours to the former Yugoslavia, and two tours to Afghanistan.
In September 2008, while on his final tour to Afghanistan, he was involved in an insurgent ambush. Three of his section members died, and Cyr was severely wounded, resulting in the amputation of his right leg.
After leaving the military, Cyr began working on veterans advocacy and outreach, founding Operation Good to Go, which helped soldiers living with depression and addiction. He also worked with several other veteran-led initiatives aimed at pushing soldiers out of their comfort zone and into the great outdoors.
B次元官网网址淚 firmly believe these types of centres are our generationsB次元官网网址� legion,B次元官网网址� said Cyr, who lives in Sooke. B次元官网网址淚 think an outfit like this is lacking in a lot of places. So often you see guys get together at Tim HortonB次元官网网址檚 and just complain. That never goes anywhere. Avail will be a positive place - get people out, active, engaged.B次元官网网址�
Avail Veterans Clinic is located at Unit 111, 2849 Peatt Rd., Langford.
