Harm Reduction Services

Harm Reduction Equipment Distribution Program

The Harm Reduction Equipment Distribution Program is part of the comprehensive harm reduction services provided by the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU). All services are free and confidential.

Under the Harm Reduction Services, the Health Unit provides the following items to eligible community members:

• Free needles (short or long lengths)
• Alcohol swabs, cookers, filters, sterile water, tourniquets and vitamin C packets
• Condoms and personal lubricant
• Sharps containers to safely store used needles
• Sharps disposal bins
• Naloxone training and kits
• Information on safer drug-using practices
• HIV/AIDS and hepatitis education
• Counselling and treatment referrals

 

Harm Reduction Equipment Distribution programs help to reduce the spread of HIV and other blood-borne illnesses, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, by providing people with sterile drug use supplies, safer substance use instruction, and by supporting safer substance use practices.

How do harm reduction equipment distribution programs make a difference in our community?

Harm reduction equipment distribution programs help by providing safer substance use equipment (e.g., needles, syringes, cookers, etc.) and information (e.g., not reusing equipment) to prevent the spread of blood-borne infections and maintain people’s health while using substances.

The program is also important because it reduces the improper disposal of sharps (i.e. needles and other hazardous debris) in the community, further reducing the spread of blood-borne infections.

Ontario Naloxone Program

The Ontario Naloxone Program is another key part of the comprehensive harm reduction services provided by HNHU. All services are free and confidential.

Its purpose is to increase access to and availability of naloxone in the community, thereby preventing the harm associated with opioid toxicity and poisoning.

How does the Ontario Naloxone program make a difference in our community?

• Once administered, naloxone will temporarily reverse the effects of opioid poisoning (overdose) and prevent the harm associated with opioid toxicity.

• The Health Unit is a core site for the Ontario Naloxone Program and distributes naloxone to eligible community members and organizations at no cost from all its offices.
• The Health Unit continuously collaborates with eligible community partners to make naloxone more easily accessible to community members who need it.

Sharps Management Program

Its purpose is to provide multiple options for disposing of sharps (e.g., needles, syringes, and other hazardous waste) and to educate the community about sharps disposal.

How does the Sharps Management program make a difference in our community?

• By providing various accessible locations for sharps disposal in the community.
• Increased accessibility for sharp disposal will reduce needle stick injuries and improperly disposed debris.

Harm Reduction Equipment Distribution Program Locations

In Norfolk

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In Haldimand

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Ontario Naloxone Program

In Norfolk

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In Haldimand

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