I’m in a small town In Southern Ontario. Prefer not to say exactly which one on the forums but if you’re anywhere between Toronto and Tobermory I’m somewhere not too far.
Sure is hard to get into rehab these days. 6-8 weeks wait on average was confirmed to me by ConnexOntario the other night. I think I’m 6-8 weeks Doug Ford will most likely have shut everything down again, and rightfully so. COVID-19 is on the rise again. Rehabs a hard no, probably.
Anyway here’s some supporting links and information around drugs and harm reduction in this province. I may make something comprehensive for Canada someday. This is my first go at something like this.
This is the meat of it but it isn’t everything I know of or all the information I’ll provide. I’m just getting started..
National Overdose Hotline (call if using theyll save your ass if overdose!)
www.nors.ca
Over Phone, Or In Person Supports a Momprehensive list for Crisis Supports during COVID-19 by the Canadaian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
LITERALLY A SHIT TON OF RESOURCES ALL KINDS OF STUFF CHECK THIS OUT!
Ontario Harm Reduction Networks List Of Resources Online,
Source: http://www.ohrn.org/resources/
Harm Reduction and Substance Use Resources
The following programs and organizations are where we get our information from, or work with towards our mission.
Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program: OHRDP
www.ohrdp.ca
OHRDP co-ordinates the distribution of harm reduction supplies to Needle Syringe Programs through a licensed distributor. Through the distribution of sterile, single-use equipment and better knowledge transfer we can help communities stay safer and healthier.
The carrynaloxONe Toolkit
www.eenet.ca/initiatives/naloxone
Developed by the Ontario Harm Reduction Network (OHRN) with support from the Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), this toolkit helps Ontario Public Health Units (PHU) in carrying out their mandate, under the Harm Reduction Program Enhancement Initiative funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, to support eligible community based organizations in distributing naloxone to clients.
The Opioid Resource Hub
www.eenet.ca/initiatives/ORH
The Opioid Resource Hub (ORH) supports system level change in the area of opioid use and addiction. Our overarching goal is to support an evidence-informed mental health and addictions system leading to the reduction of opioid-related harms in Ontario. We build capacity in health care providers; empower people with lived experience to share their stories as a form of evidence; and develop evidence-informed knowledge exchange resources and events. ORH is part of Evidence Exchange Network (EENet) in the Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Public Health Ontario
www.publichealthontario.ca
Public Health Ontario (PHO) keeps Ontarians safe and healthy. With our partners in government, public health and health care, we prevent illness and improve health. We provide the scientific evidence and expert guidance that shapes policies and practices for a healthier Ontario. PHO has locations across Ontario, including 11 laboratory sites.
The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN)
www.odprn.ca
ODPRN is a collaboration of established researchers from across Ontario that was formed to rapidly respond to policymakers’ needs for relevant research to guide and inform their decisions. We have the capacity to generate scientifically sound evidence related to real-world drug utilization, safety, effectiveness, and costs of drugs in Ontario, and have developed partnerships that allow us to engage in cross-provincial comparisons of drug safety and utilization. Our researchers have expertise in pharmaceutical utilization, outcomes, economics, and drug-policy research.
Alliance for Healthier Communities
www.allianceon.org
The Alliance for Healthier Communities is Ontario’s voice for community-governed primary health care. We represent 107 community-governed primary health care organizations. Our membership includes Ontario’s Community Health Centres, Aboriginal Health Access Centres, Community Family Health Teams and Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics.
Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO)
www.amho.ca
AMHO is a network of over 220 members in Ontario working together to build a comprehensive and accessible system of addiction and mental health care. Members provide a range of community-based addiction and mental health services and supports that help Ontarians with their recovery.
Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
www.drugpolicy.ca
The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition is comprised of over 70 organizations and 3000 individuals working to support the development of a drug policy for Canada that is based in science, guided by public health principles, is respectful of the human rights of all, and seeks to include people who use drugs and those harmed by the war on drugs in moving towards a healthier Canadian society.
Understanding opioids | Ontario.ca
www.ontario.ca/page/understanding-opioids
Information provided by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
HIV and HCV Programs and Resources
CATIE
www.catie.ca
CATIE strengthens Canada’s response to HIV and hepatitis C by bridging research and practice. They connect healthcare and community-based service providers with the latest science, and promote good practices for prevention and treatment programs.
Oahas
www.oahas.org
Oahas mission is to provide culturally respectful and sensitive programs and strategies to respond to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic among Aboriginal people in Ontario through promotion, prevention, long-term care, treatment and support initiatives consistent with harm reduction.
The Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH)
www.gmsh.ca
GMSH is a network of AIDS service organizations, whose mission is to support its members in building their own capacity, and the capacity among other service providers in their communities, to offer sexual health, HIV, and other services that meet the needs of cis- and trans-gender gay, bisexual, queer, two spirit and other men who have sex with men in Ontario.
The African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO)
www.accho.ca
ACCHO provides leadership in the response to HIV/AIDS in African, Caribbean and Black communities in Ontario. We are a provincial coalition of organizations and individuals committed to HIV prevention, education, advocacy, research, treatment, care and support for African, Caribbean and Black communities.
Women & HIV/AIDS Initiative (WHAI)
www.whai.ca
WHAI is a community-based response to HIV and AIDS among cis and trans women in Ontario that takes into account the structural and societal factors that increase women’s risk factors for HIV. This initiative, located in 16 AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) throughout the province,
The AIDS Bereavement and Resiliency Program of Ontario (ABRPO)
www.abrpo.org
ABRPO collaborates with organizations to build worker, agency and community resiliency in the face of AIDS-related multiple loss and transition.
The Ontario AIDS Network (OAN)
www.oan.red
The OAN is a coalition AIDS Service Organizations and AIDS Service Programs who work collectively to provide a just, effective response to HIV and AIDS, improve life for people infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS, and prevent the spread of the virus.
PASAN
www.pasan.org
PASAN is a community-based prisoner health and harm reduction organization that provides support, education and advocacy to prisoners and ex-prisoners across Canada.
The Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment (CAAT)
www.hivimmigration.ca
CAAT is committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV who are facing access barriers related to their status using the tools of education, training, research, service coordination and advocacy.
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN)
www.ohtn.on.ca
OHTN is a non-profit network whose mission is to improve the health and lives of people living with and at risk of HIV by using data and evidence to drive change. The OHTN works collaboratively with their network partners to gather and analyze data, conduct targeted high-impact research and support their partners in the HIV sector and beyond to use the best available data and research evidence to improve HIV prevention and care.
HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO)
www.halco.org
HALCO is a charitable not-for-profit community-based legal clinic that provides free legal services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Ontario, Canada.
The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN)
www.caan.ca
CAAN provides a National forum for Aboriginal Peoples to holistically address HIV and AIDS, HCV, STBBIs, TB, Mental Health, aging and related co-morbidity issues.
ConnexOntario (Comprehensive list of Addictions / Mental Health / Gambling Resources including Rehabs, Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinics. Counseling, Housing Supports, Everything)
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics
These are drop in clinics for those struggling with substance use disorders which can be accessed on a drop-in basis. All you have to do is show up during working hours and you can get access to doctors, psychiatry, counseling, prescriptions like pharmacotherapy, some including drug replacement therapy programs (e.g. methadone / suboxone) and needle exchange. Referrals to other programs can be made here as well like rehab if you want that. Or just about anything else surrounding substance use or otherwise medically.
Best of my knowledge, some clinics mileage may vary on the methadone / suboxone and needle exchange portions. Overall though you’re covered if you go to a RAAM clinic. Awesome places to go. I’ve been to a couple at different points, and got some real help fast.
medically supervised at home detox with doctor calling you to check in is offered too. Friend of mine has done this through a RAAM clinic.
RAAM Clinic Locations
www.metaphi.ca
Safe Supply
Where To Find Harm Reduction Supplies (Needles, Safer Smoking Kits) and Supervised Injection Sites
List of Detoxes Here (scroll down page it’s there)
Naloxone Kits
Methadone and Suboxone Clinics (coming soon)
Good Samaritan Law (no one calling in an overdose can be pursued criminally for things like simple drug possession or probation / parole breach since 2018 )
Description
Good Samaritan laws offer legal protection to people who give reasonable assistance to those who are, or whom they believe to be, injured, ill, in peril, or otherwise incapacitated. Wikipedia
About the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Actprovides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.
The Act became law on May 4, 2017. It complements the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, our comprehensive public health approach to substance use. Harm reduction is a key part of the strategy alongside prevention, treatment, and enforcement.
We hope the Act will help to reduce fear of police attending overdose events and encourage people to help save a life.
Legal protection granted by the Act
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Actprovides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 911 or their local emergency number for help.
The Act can protect you from:
The Act does not provide legal protection against more serious offences, such as:
source:https://www.canada.ca/en/health-can...s/about-good-samaritan-drug-overdose-act.html
Mental Health Programming, Online Help, Crisis Lines, Counseling, Physicians, Legal, free e-mental health professional help online and much more.. (anything you need)
ementalhealth.ca comprehensive list of resources covering the following...
1 Crisis Lines including Telephone, Online and Chat
2 E-Counseling, E-Therapy, and Distance Therapy
3 E-Therapy Websites and Online Therapy Websites
4 Walk-In Counselling
5 Hospital Emergency Department
6 Emergency Shelter and Housing
7 Child Welfare including Children's Aid Society (CAS)
8 Information and Referral Services
9 Family Physicians
10 Addictions (including Drugs, Alcohol and Gambling)
11 Self-help, Mutual Aid and Support Groups
12 Hospitals
13 Counselling and Therapy
14 Psychologists and Psychological Associates
15 Psychiatrists
16 Social Workers
17 Psychotherapists
18 Occupational Therapists
19 Finances and Money
20 Legal and Justice Resources
www.ementalhealth.ca
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
“CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services for patients of all ages and families, with Access CAMH as your centralized point of contact.”
www.camh.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
“Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory..”
Togetherall (Online program for mental health, OHIP covered)
“Togetherall is a digital mental health support service which is available online, 24/7, and is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Professionally trained Wall Guides monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members. In addition to Togetherall's online community, you will have access to a wealth of useful resources and can work through tailored self-help courses covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, weight management, depression and many more.”
Note: Addictions are a subject which can be discussed.
“Togetherall is a digital mental health support service which is available online, 24/7, and is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Professionally trained Wall Guides monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members. In addition to Togetherall's online community, you will have access to a wealth of useful resources and can work through tailored self-help courses covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, weight management, depression and many more.”
Bounceback Ontario (Online Mental Health Program OHIP co
“It’s common to feel low, stressed out, worried, depressed, irritable, angry, or nothing at all. With the right tools and practice, you can reclaim your mental health. You have the power to make beneficial changes, and we are here to help.
BounceBack® gives you access to materials and resources that can be customized to fit your needs. You will have access to workbooks, activities, videos, and a trained coach who can provide up to six telephone sessions.”
www.bouncebackontario.ca
Wellness Together Canada (Online, free, professional help)
“Get connected to mental health and substance use support, resources, and counselling with a mental health professional.”
more coming soon.. work in progress
GET YOUR DRUG TESTED AT https://getyourdrugstested.com/ MAIL IN SERVICE ANONYMOUS JUST NEED A POINT TO ID YOUR DRUGS. BE SAFE!
Sure is hard to get into rehab these days. 6-8 weeks wait on average was confirmed to me by ConnexOntario the other night. I think I’m 6-8 weeks Doug Ford will most likely have shut everything down again, and rightfully so. COVID-19 is on the rise again. Rehabs a hard no, probably.
Anyway here’s some supporting links and information around drugs and harm reduction in this province. I may make something comprehensive for Canada someday. This is my first go at something like this.
This is the meat of it but it isn’t everything I know of or all the information I’ll provide. I’m just getting started..
National Overdose Hotline (call if using theyll save your ass if overdose!)
NSFW:
Contact — NORS
www.nors.ca
Over Phone, Or In Person Supports a Momprehensive list for Crisis Supports during COVID-19 by the Canadaian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
LITERALLY A SHIT TON OF RESOURCES ALL KINDS OF STUFF CHECK THIS OUT!
Ontario Harm Reduction Networks List Of Resources Online,
Source: http://www.ohrn.org/resources/
NSFW:
Harm Reduction and Substance Use Resources
The following programs and organizations are where we get our information from, or work with towards our mission.
Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program: OHRDP
www.ohrdp.ca
OHRDP co-ordinates the distribution of harm reduction supplies to Needle Syringe Programs through a licensed distributor. Through the distribution of sterile, single-use equipment and better knowledge transfer we can help communities stay safer and healthier.
The carrynaloxONe Toolkit
www.eenet.ca/initiatives/naloxone
Developed by the Ontario Harm Reduction Network (OHRN) with support from the Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), this toolkit helps Ontario Public Health Units (PHU) in carrying out their mandate, under the Harm Reduction Program Enhancement Initiative funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, to support eligible community based organizations in distributing naloxone to clients.
The Opioid Resource Hub
www.eenet.ca/initiatives/ORH
The Opioid Resource Hub (ORH) supports system level change in the area of opioid use and addiction. Our overarching goal is to support an evidence-informed mental health and addictions system leading to the reduction of opioid-related harms in Ontario. We build capacity in health care providers; empower people with lived experience to share their stories as a form of evidence; and develop evidence-informed knowledge exchange resources and events. ORH is part of Evidence Exchange Network (EENet) in the Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Public Health Ontario
www.publichealthontario.ca
Public Health Ontario (PHO) keeps Ontarians safe and healthy. With our partners in government, public health and health care, we prevent illness and improve health. We provide the scientific evidence and expert guidance that shapes policies and practices for a healthier Ontario. PHO has locations across Ontario, including 11 laboratory sites.
The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN)
www.odprn.ca
ODPRN is a collaboration of established researchers from across Ontario that was formed to rapidly respond to policymakers’ needs for relevant research to guide and inform their decisions. We have the capacity to generate scientifically sound evidence related to real-world drug utilization, safety, effectiveness, and costs of drugs in Ontario, and have developed partnerships that allow us to engage in cross-provincial comparisons of drug safety and utilization. Our researchers have expertise in pharmaceutical utilization, outcomes, economics, and drug-policy research.
Alliance for Healthier Communities
www.allianceon.org
The Alliance for Healthier Communities is Ontario’s voice for community-governed primary health care. We represent 107 community-governed primary health care organizations. Our membership includes Ontario’s Community Health Centres, Aboriginal Health Access Centres, Community Family Health Teams and Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics.
Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO)
www.amho.ca
AMHO is a network of over 220 members in Ontario working together to build a comprehensive and accessible system of addiction and mental health care. Members provide a range of community-based addiction and mental health services and supports that help Ontarians with their recovery.
Canadian Drug Policy Coalition
www.drugpolicy.ca
The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition is comprised of over 70 organizations and 3000 individuals working to support the development of a drug policy for Canada that is based in science, guided by public health principles, is respectful of the human rights of all, and seeks to include people who use drugs and those harmed by the war on drugs in moving towards a healthier Canadian society.
Understanding opioids | Ontario.ca
www.ontario.ca/page/understanding-opioids
Information provided by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
HIV and HCV Programs and Resources
CATIE
www.catie.ca
CATIE strengthens Canada’s response to HIV and hepatitis C by bridging research and practice. They connect healthcare and community-based service providers with the latest science, and promote good practices for prevention and treatment programs.
Oahas
www.oahas.org
Oahas mission is to provide culturally respectful and sensitive programs and strategies to respond to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic among Aboriginal people in Ontario through promotion, prevention, long-term care, treatment and support initiatives consistent with harm reduction.
The Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH)
www.gmsh.ca
GMSH is a network of AIDS service organizations, whose mission is to support its members in building their own capacity, and the capacity among other service providers in their communities, to offer sexual health, HIV, and other services that meet the needs of cis- and trans-gender gay, bisexual, queer, two spirit and other men who have sex with men in Ontario.
The African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO)
www.accho.ca
ACCHO provides leadership in the response to HIV/AIDS in African, Caribbean and Black communities in Ontario. We are a provincial coalition of organizations and individuals committed to HIV prevention, education, advocacy, research, treatment, care and support for African, Caribbean and Black communities.
Women & HIV/AIDS Initiative (WHAI)
www.whai.ca
WHAI is a community-based response to HIV and AIDS among cis and trans women in Ontario that takes into account the structural and societal factors that increase women’s risk factors for HIV. This initiative, located in 16 AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) throughout the province,
The AIDS Bereavement and Resiliency Program of Ontario (ABRPO)
www.abrpo.org
ABRPO collaborates with organizations to build worker, agency and community resiliency in the face of AIDS-related multiple loss and transition.
The Ontario AIDS Network (OAN)
www.oan.red
The OAN is a coalition AIDS Service Organizations and AIDS Service Programs who work collectively to provide a just, effective response to HIV and AIDS, improve life for people infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS, and prevent the spread of the virus.
PASAN
www.pasan.org
PASAN is a community-based prisoner health and harm reduction organization that provides support, education and advocacy to prisoners and ex-prisoners across Canada.
The Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment (CAAT)
www.hivimmigration.ca
CAAT is committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV who are facing access barriers related to their status using the tools of education, training, research, service coordination and advocacy.
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN)
www.ohtn.on.ca
OHTN is a non-profit network whose mission is to improve the health and lives of people living with and at risk of HIV by using data and evidence to drive change. The OHTN works collaboratively with their network partners to gather and analyze data, conduct targeted high-impact research and support their partners in the HIV sector and beyond to use the best available data and research evidence to improve HIV prevention and care.
HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO)
www.halco.org
HALCO is a charitable not-for-profit community-based legal clinic that provides free legal services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Ontario, Canada.
The Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN)
www.caan.ca
CAAN provides a National forum for Aboriginal Peoples to holistically address HIV and AIDS, HCV, STBBIs, TB, Mental Health, aging and related co-morbidity issues.
ConnexOntario (Comprehensive list of Addictions / Mental Health / Gambling Resources including Rehabs, Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinics. Counseling, Housing Supports, Everything)
Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics
NSFW:
These are drop in clinics for those struggling with substance use disorders which can be accessed on a drop-in basis. All you have to do is show up during working hours and you can get access to doctors, psychiatry, counseling, prescriptions like pharmacotherapy, some including drug replacement therapy programs (e.g. methadone / suboxone) and needle exchange. Referrals to other programs can be made here as well like rehab if you want that. Or just about anything else surrounding substance use or otherwise medically.
Best of my knowledge, some clinics mileage may vary on the methadone / suboxone and needle exchange portions. Overall though you’re covered if you go to a RAAM clinic. Awesome places to go. I’ve been to a couple at different points, and got some real help fast.
medically supervised at home detox with doctor calling you to check in is offered too. Friend of mine has done this through a RAAM clinic.
RAAM Clinic Locations
RAAM Clinics
RAAM clinic directory for clinicians and patients provides information on clinics across Ontario.
www.metaphi.ca
Safe Supply
NSFW:
Safe Supply programs are now starting up in Toronto, Kingston, North Bay, and Ottawa. Safe supply is sort of an extension of drug replacement therapy programs like methadone / suboxone, but it’s meant to give addicts, or anyone who may be at risk of an overdose or other complications from street supply, a safe supply of medical grade drugs that are good, proper replacements for things like fentanyl and crystal meth, even cocaine has been used to supply cocaine addicts.
Most often in safe supply program hydromorphone pills are used for opiates. Dexamphetamine for meth. Coke for coke.
Heroin has been legal to prescribe for addictions in Caada since 2016, and it has been used in safe opiates supply as well though not as often.
So far as I can tell, these new Ontario programs are more specifically focused on the fentanyl crisis and are singly focusing on that at this time using hydromorphone. (October 17, 2020).
Where Ontario is at now is the beginning of a movement (last few years in particular) in Canada for addicts to be given a subsidized (free) supply of pharmaceutical grade drugs to get them off of the street supply and reduce the harms surrounding toxicity like fentanyl, stomped on dirty drugs, and the issues around addiction in general like criminality.
Safe supply programs have been proven to greatly reduce overdose rates and time spent in the medical system. It empowers users in their lives, and also reduces the barriers in accessing supports for assistance and obtaining housing.It improves their physical / mental health and improves their outcomes in general.
Vancouver.ca document detailing safe supply
On top of saving the medical system some work when someone inevitably overdosed on street supply like a hot shot of fentanyl, it also takes a workload off the police, criminal court, and prison systems. It saves taxpayers money spent on this whole gamut of problems surrounding addictions. Society and the lives of addicts are improved when safe supply is in order.
www.straight.com
.... it would be financially prudent over the long run for governments to provide clean drugs because that would dramatically reduce costs in other areas, including emergency services.
"It's so much cheaper for society to give somebody a safe drug than it is putting them in jail, putting them in a revolving door, or paying for their funeral and hospital bills."
This is the last 5 articles released by Health Canada (Oct 17 2020) on the https://www.canada.ca website alone. Click these links for more specific information on the new safe supply programs.
Government of Canada highlights support for safer drug supply project in Ottawa
2020-10-15 | Health Canada | news releases
Today, the Honourable, Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, highlighted federal funding of $1.4 million over 10 months for a safer supply project for people at risk of overdose during the COVID-19 outbreak in Ottawa.
Government of Canada highlights support for safer drug supply projects in Ontario
2020-09-18 | Health Canada | news releases
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, highlighted federal funding support of nearly $9.5 million for four safer supply projects for people at risk of overdose in Ontario. These projects will provide pharmaceutical-grade medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal supply in circulation.
Government of Canada supports project connecting people at risk of experiencing opioid-related overdoses to community services in Peterborough
2020-08-26 | Health Canada | news releases
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, announced more than $1.9 million in funding over the next three years to the Peterborough Police Service.
Government of Canada begins consultation to better ensure the continuity of supervised consumption sites and services in Canada
2020-08-20 | Health Canada | news releases
On August 15, 2020, Health Canada launched a 60-day consultation process on supervised consumption sites and services to evaluate what is working and what can be improved.
Government of Canada supports a safer drug supply project in Toronto
2020-08-20 | Health Canada | news releases
The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure communities have the tools and support they need to keep people at risk of overdose safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Most often in safe supply program hydromorphone pills are used for opiates. Dexamphetamine for meth. Coke for coke.
Heroin has been legal to prescribe for addictions in Caada since 2016, and it has been used in safe opiates supply as well though not as often.
So far as I can tell, these new Ontario programs are more specifically focused on the fentanyl crisis and are singly focusing on that at this time using hydromorphone. (October 17, 2020).
Where Ontario is at now is the beginning of a movement (last few years in particular) in Canada for addicts to be given a subsidized (free) supply of pharmaceutical grade drugs to get them off of the street supply and reduce the harms surrounding toxicity like fentanyl, stomped on dirty drugs, and the issues around addiction in general like criminality.
Safe supply programs have been proven to greatly reduce overdose rates and time spent in the medical system. It empowers users in their lives, and also reduces the barriers in accessing supports for assistance and obtaining housing.It improves their physical / mental health and improves their outcomes in general.
Vancouver.ca document detailing safe supply
On top of saving the medical system some work when someone inevitably overdosed on street supply like a hot shot of fentanyl, it also takes a workload off the police, criminal court, and prison systems. It saves taxpayers money spent on this whole gamut of problems surrounding addictions. Society and the lives of addicts are improved when safe supply is in order.
Canadian Association for Safe Supply CEO Jordan Westfall says record overdose deaths justify offering untainted drugs
He says there are straightforward options for saving lives, but governments are reluctant to pursue them.
www.straight.com
.... it would be financially prudent over the long run for governments to provide clean drugs because that would dramatically reduce costs in other areas, including emergency services.
"It's so much cheaper for society to give somebody a safe drug than it is putting them in jail, putting them in a revolving door, or paying for their funeral and hospital bills."
This is the last 5 articles released by Health Canada (Oct 17 2020) on the https://www.canada.ca website alone. Click these links for more specific information on the new safe supply programs.
Government of Canada highlights support for safer drug supply project in Ottawa
2020-10-15 | Health Canada | news releases
Today, the Honourable, Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, highlighted federal funding of $1.4 million over 10 months for a safer supply project for people at risk of overdose during the COVID-19 outbreak in Ottawa.
Government of Canada highlights support for safer drug supply projects in Ontario
2020-09-18 | Health Canada | news releases
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, highlighted federal funding support of nearly $9.5 million for four safer supply projects for people at risk of overdose in Ontario. These projects will provide pharmaceutical-grade medication as an alternative to the toxic illegal supply in circulation.
Government of Canada supports project connecting people at risk of experiencing opioid-related overdoses to community services in Peterborough
2020-08-26 | Health Canada | news releases
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, announced more than $1.9 million in funding over the next three years to the Peterborough Police Service.
Government of Canada begins consultation to better ensure the continuity of supervised consumption sites and services in Canada
2020-08-20 | Health Canada | news releases
On August 15, 2020, Health Canada launched a 60-day consultation process on supervised consumption sites and services to evaluate what is working and what can be improved.
Government of Canada supports a safer drug supply project in Toronto
2020-08-20 | Health Canada | news releases
The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure communities have the tools and support they need to keep people at risk of overdose safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Where To Find Harm Reduction Supplies (Needles, Safer Smoking Kits) and Supervised Injection Sites
NSFW:
Map for needle exchanges and safer smoking kits
List of Supervised Injection Sites
List of Supervised Injection Sites
| Ontario | Guelph | Guelph Community Health Centre (Guelph Community Health Centre, HIV/AIDS Resources & Community Health, and Guelph Family Health Team) 176 Wyndham St N | January 31, 2020 | January 31, 2023 |
|
| Ontario | Hamilton | Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (interim site) (Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre) 71 Rebecca St | March 31, 2020 | March 31, 2021 |
|
| Ontario | Kitchener | Supervised Consumption Site - Kitchener (interim site) (Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services and Sanguen Health Centre) 150 Duke St W | September 25, 2020 | December 31, 2020 |
|
| Ontario | London | Carepoint (Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection) 186 King St | March 31, 2020 | March 31, 2023 |
|
| Ontario | Ottawa | Healthy Sexuality and Risk Reduction Unit (Ottawa Public Health) 179 Clarence St | September 29, 2020 | September 30, 2021 |
|
| Ontario | Ottawa | Sandy Hill Community Health Centre (Sandy Hill Community Health Centre) 221 Nelson St | April 29, 2019 | April 30, 2022 |
|
| Ontario | Ottawa | Somerset West Community Health Centre (Somerset West Community Health Centre) 55 Eccles St | June 27, 2019 | June 30, 2022 |
|
| Ontario | Ottawa | The Trailer 2.0 (Ottawa Inner City Health, Inc.) 256 King Edward Ave | September 18, 2020 | September 30, 2021 |
|
| Ontario | St. Catharines | StreetWorks Supervised Consumption Site (Positive Living Niagara) 105 Queenston St | September 25, 2020 | September 30, 2023 |
|
| Ontario | Thunder Bay | PATH525 (NorWest Community Health Centres and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care) 525 Simpson St | March 31, 2020 | March 31, 2023 |
|
| Ontario | Toronto | Fred Victor Centre (Fred Victor Centre) 145 Queen St E | February 28, 2019 | February 28, 2022 |
|
| Ontario | Toronto | Moss Park Consumption & Treatment Service (South Riverdale Community Health Centre) 134 Sherbourne St | January 31, 2020 | January 31, 2023 |
|
| Ontario | Toronto | Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre (Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre) 168 Bathurst St | March 29, 2019 | March 31, 2022 |
|
| Ontario | Toronto | Parkdale Supervised Consumption Service (Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre) 1229 Queen St W | March 31, 2020 | March 31, 2023 |
|
| Ontario | Toronto | Regent Park Community Health Centre Consumption and Treatment Service (Regent Park Community Health Centre) 465 Dundas St E | January 31, 2020 | January 31, 2023 |
|
| Ontario | Toronto | South Riverdale Community Health Centre (South Riverdale Community Health Centre) 955 Queen St E | November 30, 2018 | November 30, 2021 |
|
| Ontario | Toronto | St. Stephen's Community HouseTable 1 Footnote * (St. Stephen's Community House) 260 Augusta Ave | January 31, 2020 | November 30, 2020 |
|
| Ontario | Toronto | Street HealthTable 1 Footnote * (Street Health) 338 Dundas St E | January 31, 2020 | March 31, 2021 |
|
| Ontario | Toronto | The Works (Toronto Public Health) 277 Victoria St |
List of Detoxes Here (scroll down page it’s there)
NSFW:
Substance Abuse Detox Programs in Ontario, ON
Call now! 1-877-254-3348 | 24/7 | This article will give you information on drug detox programs in Ontario.
www.drugrehab.ca
Naloxone Kits
NSFW:
Naloxone lots are freely handed out at many pharmacies in Ontario since an initiative was made in 2018 for wider distribution to combat the opiate epidemic / fentanyl crisis. Training programs are available as well and easy to access. If you or anyone you know uses opiates, it’s strongly suggest you carry a kit with you to help prevent overdose deaths. Don’t use alone if you can help it.
Where to get a free naloxone kit..
Where to get a free naloxone kit..
Methadone and Suboxone Clinics (coming soon)
NSFW:
Coming soon
Good Samaritan Law (no one calling in an overdose can be pursued criminally for things like simple drug possession or probation / parole breach since 2018 )
NSFW:
Description
Good Samaritan laws offer legal protection to people who give reasonable assistance to those who are, or whom they believe to be, injured, ill, in peril, or otherwise incapacitated. Wikipedia
About the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Actprovides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.
The Act became law on May 4, 2017. It complements the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, our comprehensive public health approach to substance use. Harm reduction is a key part of the strategy alongside prevention, treatment, and enforcement.
We hope the Act will help to reduce fear of police attending overdose events and encourage people to help save a life.
Legal protection granted by the Act
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Actprovides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 911 or their local emergency number for help.
The Act can protect you from:
- Charges for possession of a controlled substance (i.e. drugs) under section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Breach of conditions regarding simple possession of controlled substances (i.e. drugs) in:
- pre-trial release
- probation orders
- conditional sentences
- parole
The Act does not provide legal protection against more serious offences, such as:
- outstanding warrants
- production and trafficking of controlled substances
- all other crimes not outlined within the Act
source:https://www.canada.ca/en/health-can...s/about-good-samaritan-drug-overdose-act.html
Mental Health Programming, Online Help, Crisis Lines, Counseling, Physicians, Legal, free e-mental health professional help online and much more.. (anything you need)
NSFW:
ementalhealth.ca comprehensive list of resources covering the following...
1 Crisis Lines including Telephone, Online and Chat
2 E-Counseling, E-Therapy, and Distance Therapy
3 E-Therapy Websites and Online Therapy Websites
4 Walk-In Counselling
5 Hospital Emergency Department
6 Emergency Shelter and Housing
7 Child Welfare including Children's Aid Society (CAS)
8 Information and Referral Services
9 Family Physicians
10 Addictions (including Drugs, Alcohol and Gambling)
11 Self-help, Mutual Aid and Support Groups
12 Hospitals
13 Counselling and Therapy
14 Psychologists and Psychological Associates
15 Psychiatrists
16 Social Workers
17 Psychotherapists
18 Occupational Therapists
19 Finances and Money
20 Legal and Justice Resources
Key Resources in Ontario : eMentalHealth.ca
www.ementalhealth.ca
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
“CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services for patients of all ages and families, with Access CAMH as your centralized point of contact.”
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres. Where Mental Health is Health.
www.camh.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
“Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and one territory..”
Togetherall (Online program for mental health, OHIP covered)
“Togetherall is a digital mental health support service which is available online, 24/7, and is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Professionally trained Wall Guides monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members. In addition to Togetherall's online community, you will have access to a wealth of useful resources and can work through tailored self-help courses covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, weight management, depression and many more.”
Note: Addictions are a subject which can be discussed.
“Togetherall is a digital mental health support service which is available online, 24/7, and is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Professionally trained Wall Guides monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members. In addition to Togetherall's online community, you will have access to a wealth of useful resources and can work through tailored self-help courses covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, weight management, depression and many more.”
Bounceback Ontario (Online Mental Health Program OHIP co
“It’s common to feel low, stressed out, worried, depressed, irritable, angry, or nothing at all. With the right tools and practice, you can reclaim your mental health. You have the power to make beneficial changes, and we are here to help.
BounceBack® gives you access to materials and resources that can be customized to fit your needs. You will have access to workbooks, activities, videos, and a trained coach who can provide up to six telephone sessions.”
BounceBack Ontario – Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
www.bouncebackontario.ca
Wellness Together Canada (Online, free, professional help)
“Get connected to mental health and substance use support, resources, and counselling with a mental health professional.”
more coming soon.. work in progress
GET YOUR DRUG TESTED AT https://getyourdrugstested.com/ MAIL IN SERVICE ANONYMOUS JUST NEED A POINT TO ID YOUR DRUGS. BE SAFE!
Last edited:
