Developed using the Best Practice Recommendations for Canadian Harm Reduction Programs. Connecting is a user-friendly guide designed to support harm reduction workers in sharing knowledge of safer practices.
See the illustrated guide.
Harm reduction is the crucial point of first engagement with people who use substances. It acts as a bridge to connecting people to wrap around services including treatment. It focuses on safe, non-judgmental support and resources to help individuals make healthier choices.
Harm reduction strategies in Ontario are proven to save lives and improve community health. Here are the key benefits:
By providing sterile single use harm reduction supplies and education about disease prevention.
Early intervention in communities can significantly reduce healthcare and emergency room costs. This is done by addressing health and social issues before they escalate into more severe conditions requiring hospitalization.
Provides life-saving interventions by distributing naloxone (opioid reversal medication) and providing education on overdose prevention and safer practices.
Supports public safety through non-judgmental, practical measures.
Through referrals and connecting people to health, social services, housing, treatment, and emergency services for people who might otherwise not seek help.
Engagement with people who use substances to connect them to important services like treatment and primary care.
Harm reduction strategies aim to minimize the harmful consequences associated with drug use and other health risks, grounded in social justice and respecting individual rights. OHRDP addresses health and wellbeing inequities in the drug-using community and values the expertise of the community it serves. All Public Health Units in Ontario ensure access to harm reduction supplies in their regions through core harm reduction programs, also known as needle syringe programs (NSPs). These programs are the primary sites that OHRDP works with directly, responsible for distributing harm reduction supplies within their respective health unit regions. The NSPs provide access to new safer injection and safer inhalation supplies reflective of community needs. They also offer safe disposal of used equipment and additional educational resources for safer use. Furthermore, NSPs play a crucial role in training, managing supplies, and supporting satellite and mobile NSPs. OHRDP processes orders from core NSPs in each health unit region, and the core NSPs then distribute supplies to satellite sites and mobile services.
For more information, contact your local Public Health Unit or Harm Reduction Program. Unsure where that is? Access the Find Supplies Map to locate harm reduction resources.
Community agencies are fixed access points where anyone can walk in to get harm reduction supplies, education for safer practices, and wrap-around care. Mobile Units are Outreach Programs either by foot or vehicle that go out to communities, reach rural or isolated communities to bring supplies, education and support.
Explore the Find Supplies Map to find the nearest location to you for supplies, education, or substance use assistance.
OHRDP collaborates with academic institutions, hospitals and government research groups to advance harm reduction strategies. By gathering data and conducting studies, we help identify the most effective methods to reduce substance-related harm and promote community health. Our research initiatives bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring harm reduction is informed by evidence-based findings.
Join us in promoting community health and safety. Discover collaboration opportunities by emailing us.
OHRDP works with provincial, national and international organizations, researchers, and experts in harm reduction policies, and practice. Drug use is very different from region to region, province to province and country to country. Supporting each other is crucial to ensuring harm reduction workers have the most up to date knowledge to support their communities health.
Developed using the Best Practice Recommendations for Canadian Harm Reduction Programs. Connecting is a user-friendly guide designed to support harm reduction workers in sharing knowledge of safer practices.
See the illustrated guide.
The Best Practice Recommendations for Canadian Harm Reduction Programs provides the evidence and standards for safer practices.
View the Best Practice Recommendations.