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 inject 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.
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.
Northwestern Health Unit
115 Main Street
(807) 597-6871
HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Dryden Regional Mental Health & Addiction Services
58 Goodall Street
(807)223-6678
HOURS: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
Northwestern Health Unit
75-D Van Horne Avenue
(807) 223-3301
HOURS:
Mon-Wed & Fri 8:30am-4:30pm Thurs 8:30am-6pm
Pharmasave
#1-35 Whyte Avenue
(807) 223-2413
HOURS:
Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm Sat-8:30am-5pm Sun 1-4
Gizhewandiziwin Health Access Centre
1460 Idylwild Drive
(807) 274-3131
HOURS:
Mon-Thurs 8:30am-4:30pm Fri 8:30am-4pm
Northwestern Health Unit
396 Scott Street
(807) 274-9827
HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Pharmasave
140 Scott Street
(807) 274-5383
HOURS:
Mon-Fri 9am-6p.m Sat 10am-5pm Sun 12pm-5pm
Safeway
417 Scott Street
(807) 274-0360
HOURS:
Mon & Thurs 9am-9pm Tues, Wed & Fri 9am-6pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Dryden Regional Mental Health & Addictions Services
Corner of Hwy.17 & 599
(807) 934-2251
HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Northwestern Health Unit
Corner of Hwy. 17 & 599
(807) 934-2236
HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Morning Star Detox Centre
6 Matheson Street, South
(807) 468-5749
HOURS: 24 hrs/day, 7days/week, 365 days/year
Northwestern Health Unit
21 Wolsley Street
(807) 468-3147
HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
Northwestern Health Unit
234 Howey Street
(807) 727-2626
HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30am-12pm/1pm-4:30pm
Community Counselling (in Kolors building)
35 Front Street
(807) 737-4506
HOURS: Mon-Fri 1pm-4:30pm
Northwestern Health Unit
47-B Front Street
(807) 937-2292
HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30am-12pm/1pm-4:30pm