About the Dufferin-Caledon Drug Strategy Committee
The Dufferin-Caledon Drug Strategy Committee is a community group composed of like-minded agencies that are working together to support and coordinate the development and implementation of local, comprehensive, cross-sector strategies to reduce the harms related to substance use and/or addictive behaviours. This committee came together in 2017 after a number of local deaths by overdose affected several community partners who were working with those who were lost. The goals of this committee have always been to raise awareness about the resources available in the Dufferin and Caledon communities for those who are struggling with drug use; to honour International Overdose Awareness Day annually on (or around) August 31st; and to educate the Dufferin and Caledon communities about the stigmas associated with drug use.
This committee now functions as an addiction-focused working group under the Hills of Headwaters Ontario Health team.
What is Harm Reduction?
Harm Reduction aims to reduce the negative effects related to drug use. It is an approach that does not require abstinence and respects an individual’s choices an dignity while empowering them to make informed choices and access supports.
Harm Reduction is everywhere. Many things we do every day involve some risk, but there are ways to reduce avoidable harm. We use many of these ways to stay safe without even realizing it.
Harm Reduction saves lives by:
✓ increasing access to support.
✓ reducing the sharing of substance-use equipment.
✓ promoting the safer disposal of equipment/needles.
✓ reducing associated diseases.
✓ preventing overdoses and death (e.g. access to Naloxone).
Harm Reduction creates opportunity for change.
“Harm Reduction provided me with the knowledge and tools to make safer decisions when using drugs.”
~ Individual with lived experience
Harm Reduction respects a person’s right to make their own decisions.
“Using Harm Reduction in my recovery has played a crucial role by providing compassionate support, encouraging my engagement in treatment and respecting my individual choices. These elements have all contributed to positive outcomes in my life. After struggling wit opioid addiction, I have been able to use Suboxone, which has been essential in managing withdrawal symptoms and achieving long-term stabilization.”
~Individual with lived experience
Harm Reduction empowers people by giving them tools, information and support.
“Harm Reduction does not force the idea of abstinence on people but instead gives them a choice in their recovery by providing safer ways to use.”
~Individual with lived experience
Contacts and Resources
Follow the Dufferin-Caledon Drug Strategy Committee on Facebook for more information on Harm Reduction.
#harmreductionsaveslives #endthestigmaDufferinCaledon #endoverdose
Support and supplies like Harm Reduction and Naloxone kits are available in Dufferin and Caledon.
Here are some helpful resources:
What is harm reduction and why is it important?
- Canadian Mental Health Association: https://ontario.cmha.ca/harm-reduction/
- Harm Reduction International: https://hri.global/what-is-harm-reduction/
- Harm Reduction Fundamentals: A toolkit for service providers: https://www.catie.ca/harmreduction
Where can I access harm reduction supplies and services?
- Where to get a naloxone kit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit
- Where to get harm reduction supplies:
- https://ohrdp.ca/find-supplies/
https://peelregion.ca/health/healthy-living/harm-reduction - Supports and Services in Dufferin-Caledon: https://hillsofheadwaterscollaborative.ca/services-resources/mental-health-addictions/
- 24/7 Access to mental health, addiction and problem gambling information (ConnexOntario): https://connexontario.ca/search/