Harm Reduction

Harm reduction services helps to make drug use less harmful, even if people don’t stop using drugs. These services give information and tools to keep people safer. This support can help stop the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. It can also lower the chance of getting hurt and save lives. 

Harm reduction treats people who use drugs with respect, dignity and care without judgment. Learn about harm reduction in this five minute video by CATIE or check out this toolkit for a more in-depth overview.

The harm reduction services provided by Public Health are mandated by the Ministry of Health and the Ontario Public Health Standards. 

On this page:

Stay safe if using drugs

Never use drugs alone. If using with a friend, do not use at the same time. If you use alone, call or text the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) Hotline at 1-888-688-NORS(6677), for confidential, nonjudgmental support. NORS is free and available 24/7. 

  • Always carry naloxone and know how to use it
  • Start low and go slow
  • Avoiding mixing drugs – use one drug at a time
  • Do not use alone
  • Use a drug checking or testing services like Sanguen Health Centre Drug Checking Program
  • Subscribe to community drug alerts
  • Find a safe space to prepare and use drugs
    • Use around people you trust
    • Use in a location you can be reached if you need help (e.g. avoid leaning against or locking a door)
  • Pay attention to weather. Really hot or cold weather can be dangerous while using drugs. Read more about supporting people who use drugs during extreme weather (Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy)
  • For more information, check out Seeking Safety (CATIE)

Overdose prevention and naloxone kits

Always call 911 if someone shows signs of an overdose 

Naloxone

Naloxone is a medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

Naloxone is available in two different forms: 

  • Nasal spray: sprayed directly into the nose
  • Injectable: injected into any muscle in the body, such as the arm or thigh

Read Naloxone: Save a life from Health Canada for more information.

How to respond to an opioid overdose with naloxone

Where to get naloxone

Naloxone is free and available without a prescription. Use these interactive maps to find local pharmacies and community agencies that give out naloxone. 

Use these interactive maps to find local pharmacies and community agencies that give out naloxone. 

For a printable resource on where to find naloxone for free within Waterloo Region

As part of the Ontario Naloxone Program, public health units in Ontario lead Naloxone distribution to community organizations. 

Naloxone for the workplace

Learn more about naloxone in the workplace (Ontario Ministry of Health).

Free training for workers on opioid overdose and giving naloxone is available at Public Services Health and Safety Association

Community drug alerts

View the OMARS community drug alert page.

Subscribe to community drug alerts for Waterloo Region.

Overdose data in Waterloo Region  

The Opioid Overdose/Drug Poisoning Dashboard shows data on overdoses and deaths in Waterloo Region.

Harm reduction supplies

Harm reduction supplies are available through our Needle Syringe Programs across the region. Supplies can include:

  • Naloxone kits (nasal and injectable)
  • Safe injection supplies (syringes, stericups, etc.)
  • Safe inhalation supplies (bowl pipes, mouthpieces, etc.)
  • Sharps disposal containers

Needle syringe programs help to:

  • Reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C
  • Reduce the number of used needles discarded in public places
  • Educate about safer sex and sexual health and increase condom use
  • Increase referrals to treatment programs, health and social services 

For more information, email harmreduction@regionofwaterloo.ca 

Where to get harm reduction supplies 

Public health supports community organizations to run Needle Syringe Programs across Waterloo Region. These organizations give out free harm reduction supplies, dispose of used supplies and provide education.

Use this interactive map to find harm reduction supplies in Waterloo Region

For a printable resource on where to find harm reduction supplies in Waterloo Region

Harm reduction training in shelters

The Emergency Shelter Harm Reduction Integration Initiative (ESHRII) is a training program for shelter staff and participants. The program helps shelter leaders apply the right harm reduction approach for their shelters.

Region of Waterloo Community Services and Public Health work with Sanguen Health Centre, Thrive HIV and The Healing of the Seven Generations on this project.

A core part of ESHRII is to include people with lived and living experience of drug use and homelessness to

  • Better address the unique and complex needs of shelter staff and participants
  • Make sure programming is equitable and relevant to the shelter community

To learn more about ESHRII and how it can support your shelter, contact info@sanguen.com or eshrii@thrivehiv.ca.

Community support

There are community supports for people who use drugs.

Mobile and outreach supports

Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub

Support for people experiencing homelessness to get help with mental health and drug use.

Fixed location supports

Overdose prevention line

Food and housing resources

Stigma and substance use

Stigma around drug use can stop people from getting help. Learn more about stigma from Health Canada.

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