Substance Use and Harm Reduction Information for Health Professionals

Harm reduction services are available at no cost from various community agencies in York Region – refer patients to york.ca/HarmReduction.  

Harm reduction services offered include:

• Safer injection and inhalation supply distribution (including medical sharps containers for used supplies)
• Naloxone kit distribution and opioid overdose recognition and response training
• Support and referrals to other relevant services/community agencies 

Naloxone kits are provided free-of-charge for people who are:

• At risk of an opioid overdose
• A family member, friend or other person able to help someone at risk of an opioid overdose

Where are kits available?

York Region Public Health is currently working with the following partners and others to distribute naloxone:

• 360°kids
• Addiction Services Central Ontario
• Blue Door
• Caritas School of Life
• CAYR
• Chippewas of Georgina Island Health Centre
• Inn from the Cold
• John Howard Society
• LOFT Street Outreach Van
• Markham Stouffville Hospital
• The Krasman Centre
• The Vitanova Foundation
• York Region offices and clinics
• York Region Paramedic Services
• York Region Public Health Sexual Health Clinics

Naloxone can also be picked up at a participating pharmacy.

For more information on eligibility to become a naloxone distributor, email @email or call 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76683. 

1. Obtain and learn how to administer naloxone. Encourage your family and friends to get a naloxone kit too
2. If someone is experiencing a poisoning/overdose, call 911. If the person is not breathing normally (1 breath every 5 seconds), give naloxone. Start chest compressions. If the person does not start to breathe normally on their own, after two to three minutes, give another dose of naloxone. Do not leave the person alone
3. If you haven’t used for a while, or if you have a new dealer or new source, do a test amount, start low and go slow
4. Do not use alone. If using alone, tell someone, so they can check on you or contact support services such as National Overdose Response Service (1-888-688-6677)
5. If you would like help with your substance use contact a Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic

Follow the 2017 Canadian Guideline for Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain.

For additional guidelines related to opioids and/or chronic pain management, visit McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre.

Additional continuing education resources for health care providers:

Substance Use and Stigma

• Change how we talk about substance use
• Language Matters
• Respectful Language and Stigma Regarding People Who Use Substances – Guide for Healthcare Workers
• Stigma around substance use
• Engaging Clients who Use Substances eLearn
• Compassionate Engagement Online Modules

Supporting Health Care Providers - Opioid Use Disorder

• Management of opioid use disorder: 2024 update to the national clinical practice guideline
• Centre for Effective Practice: Opioid Use Disorder (2018)
• Health Quality Ontario: Opioid Use Disorder (Opioid Addiction), Care for People 16 Years of Age and Older
• MacHealth: Opioids Clinical Primer – Managing Opioid Use Disorder and Managing Chronic Pain
• Government of Canada: Problematic Opioid Use (fact sheet)

• Addiction Services Central Ontario - RAAM Clinics
  Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinics provide rapid access to quality care to individuals seeking help for their substance use concerns such as opioids, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine. The clinical team consists of an addiction medicine physician and/or nurse practitioner, nurses, case managers, addictions counsellors and peer support. An Ontario Health Card may be required
• Central Health Line
  Find health care providers across the Central region of Ontario
• Connex Ontario
  A free and confidential service offering support through phone, chat, text, and email for people in Ontario, providing information about mental health, problem gambling, and addiction services available both within and outside their community
• Self-Management Resources in Ontario 
  For individuals across Ontario who are living with one or more chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, respiratory disease, kidney disease, chronic pain, cancer, or any type of long-term physical or mental health issue. Family, friends, and caregivers of someone who has a chronic condition are also welcome