Superior Points HRP - Canadian Harm Reduction Network

• Some drugs and ways of using are clearly safer than others• Current drug policies and their consequences need to be challenged(such as misinformation about drug use/users)Harm Reduction in Action:Superior Points Harm Reduction ProgramIn September 1995, “The Exchange – Thunder Bay’s Needle Exchange”opened its doors. This mobile outreach program was a result of years oflobbying and advocacy by current and past-injection drug users as well asthe work of an advisory group consisting of the Thunder Bay District HealthUnit and multiple community partners. These joint efforts began in 1990 inresponse to the growing evidence of HIV and injection drug use in the city.The Harm Reduction Advisory Committee currently includes keystakeholders from community agencies, such as AIDS Thunder Bay,Thunder Bay Police and the OPP, and addictions treatment services, healthcare agencies, local shelters, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, as wellas a consumer advocate.In 1999, the program evolved to encompass additional harm reductionstrategies and tools in an effort to address all street-involved individuals,not just IDU and sex trade workers. This evolution was marked by a namechange to “Superior Points Harm Reduction Program” (SPHRP), anexpansion of outreach hours, and a greater diversity of harm reductionsupplies for distribution and recovery.The program’s mandate exemplifies provincial public health guidelines forneedle exchange programs in Ontario: “The board of health shall ensurethat injection drug users can have access to sterile injection equipment bythe provision of needle and syringe exchange programs as a harmreduction strategy to prevent transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis Cand other blood-borne infections and associated diseases in areas wheredrug use is recognized as a problem in the community. The strategy shallalso include counselling and education and referral to primary healthservices and addiction/treatment services” (Mandatory Health Programs andServices Guidelines, 1997).Clients really do have ownership of Superior Points; their opinions and inputare valued and help to guide the program’s direction. They have chosenthe program name, hours of operation (non-traditional hours, six days aweek), the types of services offered (outreach, specific programming, etc.),the supplies available (such as condom flavours), as well as the volunteersand field placement students.SUPERIOR POINTS HARM REDUCTION PROGRAMProtocols for Staff, Volunteers and Community Agencies9