The Harm Reduction Strategies and Services Committee provides regional Health Authorities with funds for strengthening community ties, supporting training and improving the delivery of harm reduction services. Learn what your Health Authority is doing to create safer, healthier communities.
NORTHERN HEALTH
Funds were awarded to seven agencies in Northern communities through IMAGINE Grants. In the Northeast, the Nawican Friendship Centre and the Chtewynd and Dawson Creek Harm Reduction Committees seek to promote harm reduction to youth and adults. In Northern Interior, the Fireweed Collective Society and the Lhtako Dene Nation aim to improve women’s sexual health by exploring sexual and gender norms and providing HIV education. The McLeod Lake Indian Band will provide HIV education to improve awareness and prevention efforts, and the Prince George New Hope Society will provide safety kits to promote harm reduction in day-to day activities. In the Northwest, Positive Living North (west) is undertaking a harm reduction engagement and capacity building project.
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Peers from several BC health authorities travelled to Victoria in October 2013 to attend a National Symposium organized by the Society of Living Illicit Drug Users (S.O.L.I.D.). The symposium brought together representatives from different user groups across Canada to talk about inclusion of people who use drugs in research, policy and service delivery. Travel and accommodation for some BC peers was reimbursed through HRSS peer funds.
INTERIOR HEALTH
ANKORS and North Okanagan Youth & Family Services Society (NOYFSS) will conduct a pilot project by providing tin foil to people who chase the dragon. The East Kootenay Addiction Services Society will facilitate community dialogues around the provision of HR supplies in local rural communities. Peers from Interior Health also attended S.O.L.I.D.’s symposium.
VANCOUVER COASTAL
Matching funds were used to update and finalize VCH's online harm reduction training, building on funds from previous years to create a video for this training. Content includes best practices for harm reduction, infection prevention and peer involvement, as well as guidance on engagement and education in a harm reduction setting. Once complete, the training will be available to all VCH staff and many contracted and community partners, and also shared with other Canadian health authorities
FRASER HEALTH
Mission Friendship Centre received funds to support peer engagement and capacity building. Keys Health and Housing Solution will provide education of safer sexual and substance use practices to staff and clients, as well as develop good neighbor agreements.
