Individuals using injection and inhalant drugs can access free, sterile supplies at Street Health Centre. All supplies are for one-time use and accessing supplies is confidential. SHC staff are knowledgable, approachable, and available to answer any questions. A number of our staff have lived experience of drug use. Their compassion, experience, and ability to connect with individuals who use drugs is a valuable cornerstone of our programming.
The provision of sterile harm reduction supplies is key to reducing the risks associated with using drugs, such as contracting blood-borne viruses like HIV or Hepatitis C (HCV).
Needle exchanges have been operating in Canada for more than 30 years and have been proven to reduce health care costs related to HIV and HCV treatment. These services are crucial to connecting with and building relationships with people who use drugs in the community and helping connect them to other lifesaving services.
For more information on the harm reduction supplies available, visit the OHRDP website.