Harm Reduction

Northwestern Ontario is no stranger to the use of addictive substances. 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.

The Needle Exchange Program offered by the Northwestern Health Unit ensures that injection drug users have access to sterile needles and syringes, sterile water, filters, alcohol swabs, cotton balls and tourniquets in order to reduce the spread of infection through the sharing of equipment. Safe disposal of used needles also helps remove needles from the community.

Please visit the Northwestern Health Unit site for Needle Exchange locations.

Did You Know?
  • The spread of HIV and other blood-borne illnesses is now considered a greater danger to the individual and to the public's health than drug misuse.
  • HIV is sexually transmitted but can also spread by injection drug use.
  • Over 300,000 Canadians are infected with Hepatitis C (Canadian Liver Foundation)
  • Hepatitis C progresses faster if the infected person regularly drinks alcohol.
  • Steroid users are also at risk for infections if they share needles and supplies.
Tips for Employers
  • Educate yourself and your staff through pamphlets, resource material and websites.
  • Talk about alcohol and other drugs and how they can affect performance at work (poor morale, absenteeism, lower productivity, accidents).
  • Be a positive role model with your lifestyle choices.
  • Model healthy ways of dealing with stress, conflict and disappointment.
  • Have clear workplace drug and alcohol policies, which includes education, training, prevention, employee assistance and monitoring.
Other Resources on the Web: