Harm Reduction Services

Harm Reduction Services

John Howard Society of Durham Harm Reduction Services work to create safer spaces and provide support for individuals and the community affected by substance use. Our goal is to reduce harm, protect health, and offer services that support individuals in making informed and safer choices. Through outreach programs, educational opportunities, and community partnerships, we strive to reduce risks associated with substance use and to promote safer practices for all.

Our services include needle recovery programs, access to sterile injection supplies, and educational resources on safer drug use, overdose prevention, and community safety. Whether it’s help for individuals or help for the community, we are here to provide support with compassion and respect.

Harm Reduction Outreach (HRO)

Our program works at reducing the public health risks associated with substance use. Our team works in high-priority areas of Durham Region, educating the community about harm reduction and distributing resources for safer drug use. This includes outreach to provide necessary supplies and to support individuals in making safer choices regarding substance use.

On Point Program

Our On-Point Program is dedicated to reducing the risks associated with used syringes and substance use paraphernalia in public spaces. Our team works regularly in key areas of Durham Region, safely recovering syringes and other items to protect the community from needle-stick injuries and related exposures. In addition, the program provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with lived experiences of homelessness, addiction, or mental illness, while also educating the public on the safe disposal of these items.

Contact Information to report substance use paraphernalia and safe disposal (parks and public spaces):

   email: onpoint@jhsd.ca

Project Xchange

Project X-Change is a harm reduction program designed to support health and well-being. Our goal is to reduce the risks associated with drug use by providing access to sterile equipment and accurate, non-judgmental information.

Through our services, clean, single-use supplies such as needles, alcohol swabs, Vitamin C, cookers, filters, sterile water, latex-free tourniquets, and safer smoking and snorting kits are available. We also offer condoms and safer sex supplies to help you protect sexual health. Safe disposal of used equipment is available to help prevent the spread of infections and maintain community safety.

We have free Naloxone kits—available in both injectable and nasal spray forms—along with refills. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, potentially saving lives by providing critical time for emergency intervention.

In addition to harm reduction supplies, we also connect to a wide range of supports, including health care services, mental health resources, housing options, and addiction treatment programs. Our team offers confidential, respectful guidance on safer drug use, overdose prevention, and safer sex practices—without judgment or pressure.

Our services are anonymous, easily accessible, and available to anyone in need. We work from a harm reduction approach, which means we respect choices and focus on supporting safety and well-being.