Harm Reduction
Sterile and single use injection and inhalation supplies aim to reduce the likelihood of sharing and/or reusing of drug use equipment, lowering the risk of infections spread by contact with blood or other body fluids, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), as well as other types of infections that can occur when injecting or inhaling drugs.
The Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program has been coordinating the distribution of evidence-based harm reduction supplies to Core Harm Reduction Programs throughout Ontario since 2006. York Region Public Health, Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Program, is the Core Program for York Region, working in partnership with community agencies who support people who use drugs.
Supplies available include:
- Sterile needles and syringes
- Sterile water, cookers, vitamin C (acidifier), filters, tourniquets
- Straight stems and bowl pipes
- Mouthpieces, brass screens, push sticks
- Paper snorting straws
- Approved containers for used needles and sharps
- Alcohol swabs, castile soap wipes
- Naloxone
Cost
Harm reduction supplies are provided at no cost to clients and a health card is not required.
Where to Get Harm Reduction Supplies
Note: All partner agencies accept used needles/sharps (in medical sharps containers) for safe disposal.
Sexual Health Clinics
Visit the Sexual Health page for a list of locations and days/hours of operation. Harm reduction supplies are available at all York Region Sexual Health clinic locations.
Community Services and Support
LOFT Community Services - Crosslinks Housing & Support Services
Services include provision of food, clothing and sleeping bags, help finding shelter, referrals to community resources, mental health care, crisis intervention, and distribution of harm reduction supplies that includes naloxone, needles, syringes, condoms, and crack/crystal meth smoking and snorting equipment.
Outreach Van:
Available seven days a week from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. (except statutory holidays)
Call 1-866-553-4053 or text 416-274-4972 to reach the van
Office Drop-in:
102 Main St S Unit 2,
Newmarket, ON, L3Y 3Y7
Mondays to Fridays: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on statutory holidays)
CAYR Community Connections
Offers services and supports to people living with or at risk of HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, and those who use drugs. Services include HIV, Hepatitis C and other test drives, peer learning, referrals to health and social services, and distribution of harm reduction supplies that includes naloxone, condoms, needles, syringes, crack/crystal meth smoking and snorting supplies.
17665 Leslie Street, Unit 12
Newmarket, ON, L3Y 3E3
Phone: 1-800-243-7717; 905-884-0613
Drop in Tuesdays - Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Remote service delivery Monday & Friday (call ahead to book)
Closed weekends and on statutory holidays
The Krasman Centre
Offers peer support-based programs, physical hubs and resources for people with lived experience, substance use and housing concerns.
10121 Yonge Street
Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 1T7
Phone: 1-888-780-0724; 905-780-0491
Closed for lunch daily at 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.
Monday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 12:30 p.m.to 4 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holidays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres
OATC provides opioid treatment services and other related health care services to individuals using substances.
Newmarket
17310 Yonge St, Unit 08
Newmarket, ON, L3Y 7R8
Phone: (905) 868-9966
Monday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Keswick
204 Simcoe Ave #1 & 2
Keswick, ON, L4P 3S6
Phone: (905) 476-3737
Monday to Thursday: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: closed
York Region Paramedic Services
The Community Paramedicine unit attends emergency housing, drop-in centres, and encampment locations to provide essential primary care, assessments, and harm reduction services; including distribution of naloxone, needle supplies, and crack/crystal meth smoking kits that meet clients’ needs.
Additionally, when responding to opioid/substance-related 911 calls, York Region Paramedic Services have nasal naloxone kits to offer individuals that may be at risk for an opioid overdose.
General inquiries: 1-877-800-7924, Mondays – Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
