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Whistler Community Services Society WCSS logo

Harm Reduction

Harm Reduction focuses on the prevention of harm, rather than on the prevention of substance use itself. Harm reduction is an approach that is non-judgemental with a focus on dignity, compassion, and respect. It gives individuals or groups as much information about the risks involved with drug taking so that they can make informed decisions on their own accord.

Harm Reduction 2
Harm Reduction 1

What we offer:

  • Naloxone (Narcan) Training: Naloxone is a medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids such as heroin, methadone, fentanyl, and morphine. We offer free 30-minute trainings to individuals, groups, and companies where they can learn the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, the legal parameters of first aid, and on completion receive a take-home naloxone kit.
  • Fentanyl Test Strips: Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times as potent as heroin. People use fentanyl because it is cheap to manufacture, and a small amount goes a long way. Many individuals consume fentanyl without knowledge while others use it intentionally because of its potency. At WCSS we provide a private, confidential space to test a sample of your drugs for signs of Fentanyl. Book with an Outreach worker to know more.
  • Workplace Wellness Workshops: A 2-hour workshop for groups and businesses to learn a snapshot of mental health resources, wellness, learn self-care, and healthy boundary setting. The session can be catered to the business’s individual needs and can have a focus on harm reduction and healthy practices inside the workplace.
  • Harm Reduction Supplies: Safe injecting and Safe Smoking kits. Safer injecting and smoking supplies is a highly effective strategy to prevent communicable diseases such as hepatitis C, HIV, and other drug-related harms. We offer free kits that can be picked up at WCSS within the Foodbank Market or with an Outreach worker. They are also available through Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health and Substance Use services located on the 2nd floor of the Whistler Health Care Centre.
  • Safe sex and Sanitary Products: Condoms, Lubricants, Pads, and Tampons are provided at no cost at WCSS on the third floor in the Foodbank Market and in the upstairs public washrooms.

ADDITONAL HARM REDUCTION RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY

WCSS Outreach Services

Can’t find what you need?

Book a one-on-one call with a member of our Outreach team.

Contact an Outreach Worker