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Harm Reduction, Policy, and Addictions Resources in Ontario, Canada. + Social (Updated Jan 1 2021)

Joey

Bluelighter
Joined
Dec 22, 2015
Messages
6,801
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!)


NSFW:



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







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.



.... 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

OntarioGuelphGuelph Community Health Centre
(Guelph Community Health Centre, HIV/AIDS Resources & Community Health, and Guelph Family Health Team)
176 Wyndham St N
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
OntarioHamiltonHamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (interim site)
(Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre)
71 Rebecca St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioKitchenerSupervised Consumption Site - Kitchener (interim site)
(Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services and Sanguen Health Centre)
150 Duke St W
September 25, 2020December 31, 2020
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioLondonCarepoint
(Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection)
186 King St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaHealthy Sexuality and Risk Reduction Unit
(Ottawa Public Health)
179 Clarence St
September 29, 2020September 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
OntarioOttawaSandy Hill Community Health Centre
(Sandy Hill Community Health Centre)
221 Nelson St
April 29, 2019April 30, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaSomerset West Community Health Centre
(Somerset West Community Health Centre)
55 Eccles St
June 27, 2019June 30, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaThe Trailer 2.0
(Ottawa Inner City Health, Inc.)
256 King Edward Ave
September 18, 2020September 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioSt. CatharinesStreetWorks Supervised Consumption Site
(Positive Living Niagara)
105 Queenston St
September 25, 2020September 30, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioThunder BayPATH525
(NorWest Community Health Centres and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care)
525 Simpson St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoFred Victor Centre
(Fred Victor Centre)
145 Queen St E
February 28, 2019February 28, 2022
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoMoss Park Consumption & Treatment Service
(South Riverdale Community Health Centre)
134 Sherbourne St
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoParkdale Queen West Community Health Centre
(Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre)
168 Bathurst St
March 29, 2019March 31, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoParkdale Supervised Consumption Service
(Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre)
1229 Queen St W
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoRegent Park Community Health Centre Consumption and Treatment Service
(Regent Park Community Health Centre)
465 Dundas St E
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoSouth Riverdale Community Health Centre
(South Riverdale Community Health Centre)
955 Queen St E
November 30, 2018November 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoSt. Stephen's Community HouseTable 1 Footnote *
(St. Stephen's Community House)
260 Augusta Ave
January 31, 2020November 30, 2020
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoStreet HealthTable 1 Footnote *
(Street Health)
338 Dundas St E
January 31, 2020March 31, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoThe Works
(Toronto Public Health)
277 Victoria St



List of Detoxes Here (scroll down page it’s there)

NSFW:


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..



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 Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Actapplies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The Act protects the person who seeks help, whether they stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives. The Act also protects anyone else who is at the scene when help arrives.
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



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.”


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.”


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:
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..

Ontario Harm Reduction Networks List Of Resources

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







Safe Supply

NSFW:
Safe Supply programs are now starting up in Toronto, Kingston, North Bay, and Ottawa. Safe supply is the prescription of drugs like hydromorphone pills to treat opiate addictions or Dexamphetamine for meth addictions.

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 (October 17, 2020).

This is the beginning of a recent movement (think last few years) for addicts to be given a subsidized supply of pharmaceutical grade drugs to get them off of the street supply and reduce the harms surrounding addictions. This greatly reduces overdose rates, criminal activity, empowers users and improves their physical / mental health, housing outcomes, rates of recovery.

It takes a workload off the police, criminal court, and prison systems. Hospitals too. 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.

This is the last 5 articles released by Health Canada 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

OntarioGuelphGuelph Community Health Centre
(Guelph Community Health Centre, HIV/AIDS Resources & Community Health, and Guelph Family Health Team)
176 Wyndham St N
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
OntarioHamiltonHamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (interim site)
(Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre)
71 Rebecca St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioKitchenerSupervised Consumption Site - Kitchener (interim site)
(Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services and Sanguen Health Centre)
150 Duke St W
September 25, 2020December 31, 2020
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioLondonCarepoint
(Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection)
186 King St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaHealthy Sexuality and Risk Reduction Unit
(Ottawa Public Health)
179 Clarence St
September 29, 2020September 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
OntarioOttawaSandy Hill Community Health Centre
(Sandy Hill Community Health Centre)
221 Nelson St
April 29, 2019April 30, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaSomerset West Community Health Centre
(Somerset West Community Health Centre)
55 Eccles St
June 27, 2019June 30, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaThe Trailer 2.0
(Ottawa Inner City Health, Inc.)
256 King Edward Ave
September 18, 2020September 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioSt. CatharinesStreetWorks Supervised Consumption Site
(Positive Living Niagara)
105 Queenston St
September 25, 2020September 30, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioThunder BayPATH525
(NorWest Community Health Centres and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care)
525 Simpson St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoFred Victor Centre
(Fred Victor Centre)
145 Queen St E
February 28, 2019February 28, 2022
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoMoss Park Consumption & Treatment Service
(South Riverdale Community Health Centre)
134 Sherbourne St
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoParkdale Queen West Community Health Centre
(Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre)
168 Bathurst St
March 29, 2019March 31, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoParkdale Supervised Consumption Service
(Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre)
1229 Queen St W
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoRegent Park Community Health Centre Consumption and Treatment Service
(Regent Park Community Health Centre)
465 Dundas St E
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoSouth Riverdale Community Health Centre
(South Riverdale Community Health Centre)
955 Queen St E
November 30, 2018November 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoSt. Stephen's Community HouseTable 1 Footnote *
(St. Stephen's Community House)
260 Augusta Ave
January 31, 2020November 30, 2020
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoStreet HealthTable 1 Footnote *
(Street Health)
338 Dundas St E
January 31, 2020March 31, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoThe Works
(Toronto Public Health)
277 Victoria St



List of Detoxes Here (scroll down page it’s there)

NSFW:


more coming soon.. work in progress

Not Ontarian, but good thread, lots of good info for people
 
  • Like
Reactions: CFC
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..

Ontario Harm Reduction Networks List Of Resources

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







Safe Supply

NSFW:
Safe Supply programs are now starting up in Toronto, Kingston, North Bay, and Ottawa. Safe supply is the prescription of drugs like hydromorphone pills to treat opiate addictions or Dexamphetamine for meth addictions.

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 (October 17, 2020).

This is the beginning of a recent movement (think last few years) for addicts to be given a subsidized supply of pharmaceutical grade drugs to get them off of the street supply and reduce the harms surrounding addictions. This greatly reduces overdose rates, criminal activity, empowers users and improves their physical / mental health, housing outcomes, rates of recovery.

It takes a workload off the police, criminal court, and prison systems. Hospitals too. 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.

This is the last 5 articles released by Health Canada 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

OntarioGuelphGuelph Community Health Centre
(Guelph Community Health Centre, HIV/AIDS Resources & Community Health, and Guelph Family Health Team)
176 Wyndham St N
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
OntarioHamiltonHamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (interim site)
(Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre)
71 Rebecca St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioKitchenerSupervised Consumption Site - Kitchener (interim site)
(Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services and Sanguen Health Centre)
150 Duke St W
September 25, 2020December 31, 2020
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioLondonCarepoint
(Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection)
186 King St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaHealthy Sexuality and Risk Reduction Unit
(Ottawa Public Health)
179 Clarence St
September 29, 2020September 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
OntarioOttawaSandy Hill Community Health Centre
(Sandy Hill Community Health Centre)
221 Nelson St
April 29, 2019April 30, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaSomerset West Community Health Centre
(Somerset West Community Health Centre)
55 Eccles St
June 27, 2019June 30, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaThe Trailer 2.0
(Ottawa Inner City Health, Inc.)
256 King Edward Ave
September 18, 2020September 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioSt. CatharinesStreetWorks Supervised Consumption Site
(Positive Living Niagara)
105 Queenston St
September 25, 2020September 30, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioThunder BayPATH525
(NorWest Community Health Centres and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care)
525 Simpson St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoFred Victor Centre
(Fred Victor Centre)
145 Queen St E
February 28, 2019February 28, 2022
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoMoss Park Consumption & Treatment Service
(South Riverdale Community Health Centre)
134 Sherbourne St
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoParkdale Queen West Community Health Centre
(Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre)
168 Bathurst St
March 29, 2019March 31, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoParkdale Supervised Consumption Service
(Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre)
1229 Queen St W
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoRegent Park Community Health Centre Consumption and Treatment Service
(Regent Park Community Health Centre)
465 Dundas St E
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoSouth Riverdale Community Health Centre
(South Riverdale Community Health Centre)
955 Queen St E
November 30, 2018November 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoSt. Stephen's Community HouseTable 1 Footnote *
(St. Stephen's Community House)
260 Augusta Ave
January 31, 2020November 30, 2020
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoStreet HealthTable 1 Footnote *
(Street Health)
338 Dundas St E
January 31, 2020March 31, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoThe Works
(Toronto Public Health)
277 Victoria St



List of Detoxes Here (scroll down page it’s there)

NSFW:


more coming soon.. work in progress


Small town Ontario is fked now. I moved from Toronto to get away from drugs and theres more here.
I'm from the smoke shack, fireworks, illegal dispensary area.
There's no help here, just a clinic on every corner
Great thread cause Ontario is exploding with drugs
 
Small town Ontario is fked now. I moved from Toronto to get away from drugs and theres more here.
I'm from the smoke shack, fireworks, illegal dispensary area.
There's no help here, just a clinic on every corner
Great thread cause Ontario is exploding with drugs
Thank you and @deficiT too.

I’m going to add some more stuff here including more of an intro to harm reduction, more links and resources pertaining to particular demographics like LGBT resources I haven’t covered. Some info in the detox section as to what to expect and things like needing a GAINS assessment to get into rehabs and info about that. I’ll be thinking of this more as I go along and have it decked out soon.
 
Picked up a naloxone kit for the first time on Friday when I was at the pharmacy getting a flu shot. An idiot friend of mine went ahead and started snorting a mystery powder in a baggy we found in the pisser at the pub a month ago before we could test it. Luckily it was just some weak amphetamine...probably a prescription drug and not tainted with fent.

Glad we can just grab them at any pharmacy.

Nice on on the op...good resources there.


This is also a good place to mention that in Toronto, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and St Mike's Hospital do GCMS/LCMS drug testing with drop offs at:


https://cdpe.org/project/drug-checking-services/#
 
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..

Ontario Harm Reduction Networks List Of Resources

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







Safe Supply

NSFW:
Safe Supply programs are now starting up in Toronto, Kingston, North Bay, and Ottawa. Safe supply is the prescription of drugs like hydromorphone pills to treat opiate addictions or Dexamphetamine for meth addictions.

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 (October 17, 2020).

This is the beginning of a recent movement (think last few years) for addicts to be given a subsidized supply of pharmaceutical grade drugs to get them off of the street supply and reduce the harms surrounding addictions. This greatly reduces overdose rates, criminal activity, empowers users and improves their physical / mental health, housing outcomes, rates of recovery.

It takes a workload off the police, criminal court, and prison systems. Hospitals too. 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.

This is the last 5 articles released by Health Canada 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

OntarioGuelphGuelph Community Health Centre
(Guelph Community Health Centre, HIV/AIDS Resources & Community Health, and Guelph Family Health Team)
176 Wyndham St N
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
OntarioHamiltonHamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (interim site)
(Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre)
71 Rebecca St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioKitchenerSupervised Consumption Site - Kitchener (interim site)
(Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services and Sanguen Health Centre)
150 Duke St W
September 25, 2020December 31, 2020
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioLondonCarepoint
(Middlesex-London Health Unit and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection)
186 King St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaHealthy Sexuality and Risk Reduction Unit
(Ottawa Public Health)
179 Clarence St
September 29, 2020September 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
OntarioOttawaSandy Hill Community Health Centre
(Sandy Hill Community Health Centre)
221 Nelson St
April 29, 2019April 30, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaSomerset West Community Health Centre
(Somerset West Community Health Centre)
55 Eccles St
June 27, 2019June 30, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioOttawaThe Trailer 2.0
(Ottawa Inner City Health, Inc.)
256 King Edward Ave
September 18, 2020September 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioSt. CatharinesStreetWorks Supervised Consumption Site
(Positive Living Niagara)
105 Queenston St
September 25, 2020September 30, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioThunder BayPATH525
(NorWest Community Health Centres and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care)
525 Simpson St
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoFred Victor Centre
(Fred Victor Centre)
145 Queen St E
February 28, 2019February 28, 2022
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoMoss Park Consumption & Treatment Service
(South Riverdale Community Health Centre)
134 Sherbourne St
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoParkdale Queen West Community Health Centre
(Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre)
168 Bathurst St
March 29, 2019March 31, 2022
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoParkdale Supervised Consumption Service
(Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre)
1229 Queen St W
March 31, 2020March 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoRegent Park Community Health Centre Consumption and Treatment Service
(Regent Park Community Health Centre)
465 Dundas St E
January 31, 2020January 31, 2023
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoSouth Riverdale Community Health Centre
(South Riverdale Community Health Centre)
955 Queen St E
November 30, 2018November 30, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoSt. Stephen's Community HouseTable 1 Footnote *
(St. Stephen's Community House)
260 Augusta Ave
January 31, 2020November 30, 2020
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoStreet HealthTable 1 Footnote *
(Street Health)
338 Dundas St E
January 31, 2020March 31, 2021
  • Drug checking
  • Injection
  • Intranasal
  • Oral
  • Peer assistance
OntarioTorontoThe Works
(Toronto Public Health)
277 Victoria St



List of Detoxes Here (scroll down page it’s there)

NSFW:


more coming soon.. work in progress

I'm gonna steal a bunch of this to help put together the Directory in TDS, if that's cool. That way I can more easily start on the US. Like I said, beautiful compilation.
 
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I'm gonna steal a bunch of this to help put together the Directory in TDS, if that's cool. That way I can more easily start on the US. Like I said, beautiful compilation.
Thank you. Could you please link to this thread in your directory as well? I’ll be continuing to work on it with additional content and keeping it updated. Use any info here you’d like. Thanks again.
 
@deficiT

This is also just the first in a series. I’ll be taking on all of Canada as the next project after this one.

It won’t be quite as extensive on every detail like my provincial thread, but it’ll have a lot of broader scale information, and then every link to get all the specific info by province.

I could just do all the provinces, but that’s kind of Inefficient and I live in Ontario so it’s the easiest for me to manage in the most detail.

After the general Canadian project, I want to make something a little more general about subjects of harm reduction, drug policy, resources that anyone can read or use internationally...

And also some more technical reads, like this....


There is a whole world information and events happening around harm reduction and drug policy as a whole.

I don’t know how I’ll balance the basics and the really technical stuff yet because I only know so much, and it’s such a big subject to maintain all that myself. but I’ll do what I can and make sure that everything I know or come to learn is at least findable if I don’t cover it in detail. That it can at least be found.

Some other detail to Canada, In my Canadian thread I’ll be getting into things like how although harm reduction was recognized as being a thing before, it’s actually only officially one of the main 4 pillars in our drug policy since 2006 (I think 2006) and that’s a big part why we have these programs popping up now. More and more rapidly as time goes by. That could be a part of my introduction before I start covering Canada province by province in a similar, but briefer level of detail compared the Ontario thread.

ultimately this is a drug user centric site and I should keep it a little lighter and more focused on what we need personally for harm reduction and what information is most pertinent to a user over someone who’s somewhat the researcher like myself. I also use obviously and I research these things out of personal interest.

That was a long post... Just bouncing ideas around,... I’ll figure it out what’s the most important, manageable for me personally and how to balance all this as I go.
 
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@deficiT

just rehauled the safe supply portion of this thread. It’s a Canada and particularly Ontario specific article but parts of it could easily be lifted for use elsewhere.

going to hospital now. I’m a fucking mess lot of shit going on.
 
Upcoming sections I’ll work on today..

-Harm Reduction during COVID-19
-Naloxone training programs And free distribution. Thankyou @SunriseChampion for reminding me
-An overhaul of the detox section to include much more info Like what to expect for one.
-More resources links

Now going to hospital. Fucking throat is swelling shut and I’m pissing around on BL lol.

This is meant to be a social thread too guys come one come all.
 
Huge update here with resources listed for anything from online mental health programming to housing to legal to rehabs to programming for pretty much anything.

Next I’ll be adding some more other resources, like the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse and others.

I also want to get good grip on methadone / suboxone programming in Ontario, but it won’t be the smoothest looking section due to the fact that there is no one comprehensive resource for that. I’ll just have to make due with what’s available and split it up for now. Eventually I may just take it all and create my own list A-Z but that’s a massive project for the future.
 
Well, looks like you're alive after your trip to the hospital, so that's good. ;)
Being treated for strep throat and had to get a COVID test for work. They’re scared I might have it since sore throat is a symptom.
 
Ok, ok....not too bad...well, strep throat is shit but I always start thinking the worst whenever someone on this site starts talking about going to hospital. Just the nature of the place, you know. ;)
 

Locations all over Ontario.
 
safe supply in toronto is already full and I think unless you're overdosing a lot or using the SIS' often then you probably won't be "reffered in"

RAAM clinics are easy to access though. Good if you want suboxone I guess

ACT clinics are for methadone I think, I've seen a few but never new what they were for until recently
 
I do remember reading that one of the safe supply places in Toronto was only taking existing clientele, no one new. It’s got to be hard to get at this point just about anywhere yeah. It’s a step in the right direction though. Just the beginning I think.
 
I do remember reading that one of the safe supply places in Toronto was only taking existing clientele, no one new. It’s got to be hard to get at this point just about anywhere yeah. It’s a step in the right direction though. Just the beginning I think.

yeah there's a miniscule amount of funding for these things at the moment. I think part of the problem is they make it super expensive by not addressing early/milder addictions and the clinics are staff heavy with a lot of testing and supervision. Doesn't help that our provincial health minister is not very open, whereas the federal minister would at least respond back to emails even if it is mostly just lip service.
 
I live in BC, and I know we have it fairly good here in terms of safer supply options... there's stimulants, opioids, benzos... What bothers me is that in the BCCSU's document outlining the matter there is zero inclusion of options for ketamine/dissociative users. The document/guidelines basically say that any doctor/psych-nurse/rn can prescribe at will an alternative to the highly dangerous supply of street drugs, both to reduce risk of exposure to CV19 and to reduce risk of overdose since fentanyl is in everything right now. They say when there is significant risk of withdrawal or overdose. Welp, ketamine may not have a profound withdrawal and perhaps the policymakers think that somehow means people will cease to use it, but it feels like the one thing left out of the safer supply options. It's as if they think ketamine users are somehow less prone to dying from fentanyl or catching covid 19. I have worked in harm-reduction in BC on and off for years and recently heard of a drug checking site finding fentanyl in ketamine, and word is that has been linked to at least one fatality.

I've emailed the BCCSU asking why they think ketamine users will cease to use ketamine and thus not be exposed to these risks and gotten no reply.

The following is an infographic giving a rundown of what is and is being allowed in BC as per the guidelines in this document.
fiqvBnG.jpg


NGL I'm pretty impressed these measures have finally been taken, despite their many limitations this is one big step towards barrier-free safer supply in BC. All that being said it's a shame there are such limitations. In my opinion there is no reason the options for opioids, for example, need to be so limited... or why ketamine is not included when Cannabis is explicitly mentioned, but it's a start.

I'm a yank(DC), but follow BC's harm reduction policies and goings on via the Crackdown Podcast. You pose an important question and I always see dissociatives in general being a somewhat not talked about "red headed step child" if you will. PCP + ketamine are both popular in my region and I definitely echo the sentiments of your post from afar. Thank you for your service!

But it does seem Canada is far ahead of America in terms of harm reduction in many ways.
 
Crackdown is the single best podcast out there rn. Hands down. Totally not speaking from a biased perspective or anything. Seriously tho... no other podcast has moved me to tears so many times.

I love it, it's so well put together and just generally a good show. Glad to find a fellow listener from way up yonder!
 
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