Harm Reduction

Harm reduction includes programs and policies that aim to reduce the potential health, social, and economic effects of drug use. This can include (but does not require) stopping drug use.

Harm reduction benefits people who use drugs, their families, and the community. Public Health is required by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to provide harm reduction strategies and services.

Injecting drugs, including steroids, is always risky. Sharing needles and other drug equipment puts you at risk of getting an infection through your blood. Harm reduction strategies and services help prevent the spread of infections including HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B.

Needle Syringe Program Locations

How to pick up and dispose of a needle

Treat all needles and drug equipment as contaminated.

• Wear gloves (i.e. latex, rubber or leather gardening gloves). Gloves are meant to protect against fluid contamination, not punctures or cuts.
• Use tongs, pliers or tweezers to pick up the needle. Be sure to clean and disinfect the pickup instrument afterwards.
• Pick up the needle by the plastic end (syringe).
• Do not try to recap used needles
• Point the needle tip away from your body. Be very careful not to poke yourself with the needle.
• Put the sharps disposal container on a stable surface next to the needle. Do not hold the container in your hand while placing the needle inside.
• Place the needle point down into the container. Do not force the needle into the container.
• If you do not have a specialized sharps container, put the needle into a non-breakable, puncture-proof container with a lid. (i.e. thick plastic bottle or tin can)
• Close the container securely.
• Find the nearest needle disposal location. Do not flush needles down the toilet or put them in the garbage or recycling box.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after removal of gloves.

If a needle injury occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

For further information, please contact us at 519-575-4400.

Additional Resources:

• Be Smart with Sharps
• If a Child Finds a Needle
• I Found a Needle

Naloxone

Naloxone can be used in the event of an opiate overdose. Naloxone is available to individuals at risk for opioid overdose and to those close to them. 

You can get naloxone from Public Health:

• 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo

  • Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• 150 Main Street, Cambridge
  • Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Overdose Prevention and Services