Harm Reduction
Find locations to access harm reduction supplies and services in a non-judgmental and confidential manner to people who use drugs. Sterile and single-use supplies are provided at no cost to eligible clients. The Harm Reduction Program helps reduce the sharing and reusing drug equipment that may result in infections transmitted by direct contact with blood and and/or other body secretions. Supplies available include:
- Needle Exchange
- Sterile needles and syringes
- Sterile water
- Cookers
- Vitamin C (acidifier)
- Filters
- Tourniquets
- Alcohol swabs
- Condoms
- Lubricants
- Straight stems
- Bowl pipes
- Brass screens and push sticks
- Mouthpieces
- (Snorting) straws
- Special disposal containers for used needles and sharps
- Naloxone
Cost
This program is provided at no cost to eligible clients. OHIP coverage is not required.
Where to get harm reduction supplies
York Region Paramedic Services
York Region Paramedic Service provides nasal naloxone kits to Paramedics for distribution when responding to 911 calls. Additionally, the Community Paramedicine unit attends emergency housing, drop-in centres, and encampment locations to provide essential primary care, assessments, and harm reduction services.
Phone: 1-877-800-7924
Hours: Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Krasman Centre
Provides peer support for people with issues related to mental health and substance use in their lives. Services include meals, showers, and referrals to health and social services. On-site, online and outreach programs available.
Phone: 905-780-0491
Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (All days except Wednesdays and Holidays); Wednesdays 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Holidays 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Warm Line & Peer Crisis Support Services: 1-888-777-0979 (24/7/365)
Safer Use Peer Support Line: 1-888-233-5633 (8pm-1am every day)
Website: www.krasmancentre.com
Address: 10121 Yonge Street Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1T7
LOFT Community Services - Crosslinks Housing & Support Services
Services include provision of food, clothing and sleeping bags, help finding shelter, referrals to community resources, mental health care, crisis intervention, and distribution of harm reduction supplies.
Outreach Van: Available seven days a week from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., excluding Holidays.
Call: 1-866-553-4053 to schedule a meeting location.
Hours: Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding Holidays.
Website: www.loftcs.org
Address: 102 Main St S Unit 2, Newmarket L3Y 3Y7
Call before arriving at the Drop-in: 1-866-553-4053, 905-967-0357
CAYR Community Connections (formerly AIDS Committee of York Region)
Offers services and supports to people living with or at risk of HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, and those who use drugs. Services include HIV, Hepatitis C and other test drives, peer learning, referrals to health and social services, and distribution of harm reduction supplies.
Call: 1-800-243-7717
Hours: Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding Holidays.
Address: 17665 Leslie Street, Unit 12 Newmarket L3Y 3E3
Website: www.cayrcc.org
Sexual Health Clinics
Visit the Sexual health information page for a list of locations. Harm reduction supplies are available at most York Region Sexual Health clinic locations. These locations are closed on Holidays.
