Wâhkôhtowin Harm Reduction

Provides education, information and supplies to reduce harm.

• Monday – Sunday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Closed statutory holidays.

Drug testing:

• Drug testing with a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer which identifies what is in a drug and alerts people about whether there are any contaminants – such as fentanyl – and if so, how much is present. In-person drug checking is first come first served and takes 10-15 minutes on average. The wait could be longer if there are tests ahead of yours.
• Staff are on hand to provide information about substances and safer consumption practices

Safe consumption site:

• Indigenous-led Harm Reduction and Safe Consumption site
• Preventing overdoses and adverse medical effects associated with drug use by supporting individuals 18+ who use drugs under the observation of a Primary Care Paramedic

Clients can access a place to warm up or cool down, breakfast and a coffee at 9:30 am (while supplies last), water, hot tea, computer, phone and washroom use.

Note: Physical centre location is currently closed due to fire damage. Main phone lines and fax lines are not available. Staff are unable to check messages. Email is the preferred way of contacting at this time.

Safe consumption site and drop-in remain temporarily closed. Services associated with the drop-in, including client mail and meal programs, remain suspended until further notice. Client mail sent to 1635 11th Avenue will be routed to a PO Box and checked daily. If mail is received, a support worker will notify the client through phone, email, or in person.

No weekend services available until further notice. Breakfast services are currently unavailable.

The administrative team, housing team, and health and wellness team are working out of a temporary office location at 1930 Rae Street – services are available by appointment only until they are fully set up in the new space. Staff will be available from Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Staff will be checking in with Heritage area clients and providing meal services at 3:30 pm in front of the Newo-Yotina building at 1635 11th Avenue from Monday – Friday.

Contact the harm reduction team at gariepy@newoyotina.ca for inquiries related to drop-in and Wâhkôhtowin Harm Reduction.