Background
The sharing of needles and other injection equipment is an efficient way for HIV and other blood-borne diseases such as Hepatitis C and Tetanus, to easily spread from one person to another.
The primary aim of a needle exchange program is to reduce the transmission of HIV and other infections among people who inject drugs. By practising safer needle use, people who inject drugs can reduce the risk of HIV transmission, along with many other infections and conditions associated with injecting drugs.
StreetWorks recognizes that change is a process and it's role is to provide people with the knowledge and the means to stay as healthy as possible until they reach a point where they are ready to modify or stop their injection drug use.
The StreetWorks Program
Identifying a need for education and prevention materials to be made accessible to specific populations within the community, the StreetWorks needle exchange was launched in 1993 as a shared program between Niagara Regional Public Health Services and AIDS Niagara. Initially funded through the Ontario Ministry of Health - AIDS Program, it is now funded by Niagara Regional Public Health Services.
StreetWorks is a harm reduction program. It operates as an anonymous needle exchange program & mobile service where people who inject drugs can obtain new syringes, exchange used ones, receive condoms, and access information on safer needle use, and safer sex behaviour. HIV testing information, supportive counselling, risk reduction information and referrals to other services are also available.
New syringes, condoms and other materials are available from our van, or from the AIDS Niagara office during regular business hours.
Program Goals:
- provide access to sterile injection equipment and safer sex materials.
- facilitate informed decision-making regarding safer needle use and safer sex.
- offer non-judgmental information and referrals around drug treatment, counselling and other social services.
StreetWorks will:
- provide new syringes in exchange for used ones.
- provide condoms and water-based lubricants.
- answer questions about safer needle use and safer sex.
- provide information about HIV/AIDS, safer needle use, safer sex, and other related topics.
- refer people to other social services/health organizations such as; social workers, treatment centres or housing.
- provide information and transportation if needed, to Public Health Clinics in order to be tested for HIV, Hepatitis and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
- offer to health and other service providers, in-service training and information about injection drug use issues, safer needle use, safer sex, and HIV/AIDS issues.
For more information
Call our main office at 905-984-8684 ext. 116.
If you require services, call our cell phone at 905-328-6715.
You can also visit our office, Monday to Friday between 9:00 am to 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm and ask to speak with a StreetWorks staff person.
