Harm reduction
Lower the risk and lessen the harm
Harm reduction meets people where they are, without judgment. Free supplies, safer options, and someone in your corner — whether or not you ever plan to stop using.
Six principles
The approach behind everything on this page, in Blood Ties' own words.
01
Pragmatism
Drug use is part of our world. We work to reduce its harms rather than pretend it away.
02
Human rights
People who use drugs keep every right everyone else has — to health, dignity and respect.
03
Focus on harms
The first measure of success is less harm, not less use.
04
Maximize intervention options
There is no one right way. A range of options reaches a range of people.
05
Priority of immediate goals
Start where the person is, with what matters to them today.
06
Involvement of people who use drugs
Programs are built with, not for, the people who use them.
What we offer
Each service has its own page with hours, numbers and what to expect.
Needle & pipe programFree supplies at the Cook Street window
Drug checkingKnow what you have before you use it
Naloxone kits & trainingFree kits, free training, no questions
Supervised consumption siteA safer place to use your drugs
Outreach vanHelping you where you are
Breakfast clubTuesdays, together
Used needle disposal & pickupFound a needle? Here is what to do