Needle Exchange and Safe Supplies | HKPR District Health Unit

HKPR District Health Unit provides access to harm reduction supplies and services that can help prevent the spread of infections and diseases. Needle safety, emphasizes on the proper disposal of used needles and the significance of using safe supplies.

The Health Unit is committed to promoting awareness around safe supplies to enable individuals to make informed decisions that prioritize their well-being and the safety of those around them.

WARNING Toxic Drug Supply Suspected in Nearby Community

Here is important information about a recent event in the City of Belleville that caused an alarming increase in drug poisonings.

Needle Exchange Program

The Needle Exchange Program (NEP) helps reduce the harms associated with substance use. Needle exchange sites and disposal bins provide safe and anonymous access to sterile injection and inhalation equipment, and safe disposal for used equipment.

Where to Pick-up Safe Supplies?

You can pick-up safe supplies at an HKPR District Health Unit office location as well as at other community based organizations sites, safe supply pick up locations are called Needle Exchange Sites and they offer:

New equipment – personal disposal bins, needles, pipes, spoons, ties, filters, swabs, water, and Vitamin C
Testing information on HIV, Hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)
Information on safer sex, pregnancy, and more
Free condoms, lube and dental dams
Information on other resources and community agencies

Where to Discard Used Needles?

When looking to safely dispose of needles we ask that you use a Needle Disposal Bin, the Bins reduce accidental contact with used needles. Personal Needle Disposal Bins can be carried with you or stored at a personal location to dispose of used needles and are available for pick up at the Health Unit and at Needle Exchange sites.

Community Needle Disposal Bins are large disposal units at fixed locations and can be used to dispose of used equipment, or used to dispose of personal disposal bins that are full.

What to do if you Find a Needle?

Call mobile outreach at PARN, 705-559-3904, for information about safe needle clean-up or to arrange needle pick-up and disposal. Personal needle disposal bins are also available for pick-up at the Health Unit and other at other Needle Exchange Sites.

Check out these resources for more information on how to safely pick up a discarded needle:

How to Safely Pick up a Discarded Needle.

Mobile Outreach

Mobile outreach providers deliver harm reduction materials, safe supplies and provide access to needle disposal to people who use drugs.

County of Haliburton

John Howard Society
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm (closed from 12-1)

Tayler Sanderson, Health Outreach Counsellor/Facilitator
Call or text: 705-340-3121
Email: tsanderson@jhscklh.on.ca

Arianna Bell, Harm Reduction & Crisis Counsellor/Facilitator
Call or text: 705-879-6072
Email: abell@jhscklh.on.ca

City of Kawartha Lakes

PARN
Hours: Monday to Friday

Matt Perrin, Harm Reduction Outreach Worker
Call or text: 705-559-6328
Email: matt@parn.ca

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John Howard Society
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

Natasha James, Harm Reduction & Crisis Coordinator
Call or text: 705-340-0228
Email: njames@jhscklh.on.ca

Suzanne McKay, Health Outreach Counsellor/Facilitator
Email: smckay@jhscklh.on.ca

Cathleen Meenan, Health Outreach Counsellor/Facilitator
Email: cmeenan@jhscklh.on.ca

Northumberland County

PARN
Hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday

Nichola Davies, Harm Reduction Outreach Worker
Call or text: 705-559-0272
Email: nichola@parn.ca

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Green Wood Coalition

Nicole Whitmore, Harm Reduction Outreach Worker
Call or text: 905-269-0693
Email: Nicole.whitmore@greenwoodcoalition.com

Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics

Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics provide quick access to care for addiction issues, including assessments, counselling and prescriptions for medications that may help with lessening cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Clinics will also help patients to navigate access to other addiction services in the community and provide support through transitions.

Haliburton Highland Mental Health Services 705-286-4575

14 IGA Rd. Suite 201 Heritage Plaza, Minden ON

Northumberland Hills Hospital 905-377-9891

1011 Elgin St. West, Suite 200 (2^nd floor), Cobourg ON

Ross Memorial Hospital 705-328-6064

10 Angeline St. North, Lindsay ON

Emergency Care Services

Call 9-1-1 or contact a hospital nearest you if you are in need of emergency care.

Campbellford Memorial Hospital 705-653-1140

146 Oliver Rd, Campbellford ON K0L 1L0

Haliburton Highlands Health Services 705-457-1392

7199 Gelert Road, Haliburton ON K0M 1S0