Programs › Health Protection

› Needle Exchange Program

Program Description

Northwestern Ontario is no stranger to the use of addictive substances. The tobacco, alcohol and solvent use in our region is amongst the highest in the province. Consistently high teenage pregnancy rates and the prevalence of certain sexually transmitted diseases remind us how vulnerable our youth are to blood borne illnesses.

In the present political climate any help for people who use drugs and other marginalized communities in Canada will remain controversial. Materials and information on this website are presented to promote the reduction of harms related to drug use, and to promote public awareness of personal and community health options for people who use drugs. Materials and information on this website provide detailed discussion of ways in which drugs are used, and ways in which drug users understand their drug use.

The Needle Exchange Program ensures that people who injection drugs have access to sterile needles and syringes in order to reduce the spread of infection through the sharing of equipment. Safe disposal of used needles is provided. Education, testing, condoms and free Hepatitis A and B vaccine are also available.

NORTHWEST POINTS
Harm Reduction Services

Services Provided:
◊ needle/syringe distribution
◊ provision of drug preparation equipment
◊ inhalation kits
◊ safe disposal of used needles and equipment
◊ information about safer injecting practices
   and overdose prevention
◊ testing and information about sexually transmitted
    infections (STI's) including anonymous HIV testing
◊ testing and information about Hepatitis C
◊ free Hepatitis A & B vaccine (if eligible)
◊ free condoms/lube and information about safer sex
    practices
◊ referrals to counselling, methadone and rehabilitation
   services

Did you know:

Hepatitis C, commonly spread by injection drug use, is a serious infection that affects the liver and infects over 4000 people each year in Canada. In Northwestern Ontario, approximately 25 new cases are reported every year.

• Hepatitis C, commonly spread by injection drug use, is a serious infection that affects the liver and infects over 4000 people each year in Canada. In Northwestern Ontario, approximately 25 new cases are reported every year.
  

• HIV is sexually transmitted but can also spread by injection drug use.


• Steroid users are equally at risk for infections if they share needles and supplies.

Hotlines

For more information, please call your Northwestern Health Unit office.

Check Out Our New Website Have Fun Be Safe

  Needle Exchange Locations

ATIKOKAN
Northwestern Health Unit 115 Main Street, Voyageur Mall Hours: Monday - Friday (8:30 am - 4:00 pm) Phone: 807-597-6871
IGNACE
Northwestern Health Unit Corner of Hwy 17 & Hwy 599 Phone: (807) 934-2236 Mary Berglund Community Health Centre Corner of Hwy 17E & 599 Phone: (807) 934-2251 Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) Tuesdays: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm	Dryden Regional Mental Health & Addiction (Ignace) Phone: (807) 934-2834
DRYDEN
Dryden Regional Menal Health & Addictions Services 58 Goodall St. Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6 Hours: Monday - Friday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm) Phone: (807) 223-6678 Ontario Addictions Treatment Centre 35 Whyte St., Unit 2 Dryden, ON Hours: Monday - Friday (8: 30 am - 12:00 pm) 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm) Saturday & Sundays (9:00 am - 12:00 pm) Phone: (807) 223-5107	Northwestern Health Unit 75-D Van Horne Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2B2 Hours: Monday - Friday (8:30 am - 12:00 pm) 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm) Phone: (807) 223-3301 Toll free: 1-888-404-4231
FORT FRANCES
Northwestern Health Unit 396 Scott St. Fort Frances, ON P9A 1G9 Hours: Monday - Friday (8:30 am - 12:00 pm) (1:00 pm - 4:30 pm) Phone: (807) 274-9371 Toll free: 1-800-461-3348	Canada Safeway 417 Scott Street, Fort Frances, ON P9A 1H3 Shopper's Drug Mart 375 Scott Street, Fort Frances, ON P9A 1H1 Phone: (807) 274-5351 Gizhewaadiziwin Access Centre 1460 Idylwild Drive, Fort Frances, ON P9A 3M3 Phone: (807) 274-3131
KENORA
Northwestern Health Unit 21 Wolsley St. Kenora, ON P9N 3W7 Hours: Monday - Friday (8:30 am - 4:30 pm) "ask for Troy" Phone: (807) 468-3147 Toll free: 1-800-830-5978	Morningstar Withdrawal Management Centre 6 Matheson Street South Kenora, ON P9N 3G1 Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Phone: (807) 468-5749
SIOUX LOOKOUT
Community Counseling and Addictions Services Kolors Building 35 Front Street Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A8 Hours: Monday - Friday (8:30 am - 4:30 pm) Phone: (807) 737-4506	Northwestern Health Unit 47-B Front Sreet Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A3 Hours: Monday - Friday (8:30 am - 12:00 pm) (1:00 pm - 4:30 pm) Phone: (807) 737-2292