Addictions counsellor Angie Sheppard works out of a van providing clean needles and naloxone kits as part of harm reduction services. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Harm reduction

New SHA van provides needle exchange, medical services and naloxone

Nov 25, 2022 | 5:00 PM

A new harm reduction van operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority is in operation as an effort to bring healthcare to people who might not be able to access it otherwise.

Inside the van is addictions counsellor Angie Sheppard who gives patients items such as clean needles or inhalation supplies and possibly most importantly— builds relationships.

“We’re able to get out of the van, talk to the clients, introduce them to the service and to be able to show them the services are here, what do you need, what can I help you with,” said Sheppard.

Along with Sheppard is a driver who takes the van from location to location, changing spots every 30 minutes.

They also try to be in certain locations like Moose Lodge when it opens, as they know the people they are trying to reach will be there.

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In one case, they have a patient that is not ambulatory, so they include that person in their daily visits for needle exchange.

The idea is that they know the person will continue using so they are making it safer in terms of spreading diseases such as HIV, often transmitted through shared needles.

Saskatchewan leads the country in HIV rates.

“We know that clients are going to use, so let’s help them do it safely— especially in the comfort of where you are,” Sheppard said.

So far, the response has been positive in the two months since they started operating the van.

This is the fifth such van to be put into operation by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Others are located in North Battleford, Regina, Saskatoon and Yorkton.

This year’s provincial budget includes a record $470 million for mental health and addictions.

“What we’re trying to do as a government which is trying to make sure that we’re providing people with the ability to access harm reduction supports and services on that pathway to recover,” said Everitt Hindley, Minister for Mental Health and Addictions.

Minister of Rural and Remote Health Everitt Hindley (centre) was in Prince Albert today as part of the unveiling of a new harm reduction van. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

“What this allows us to do is to be able to meet people where they’re at through a mobile service and provide that support to people.”

The concept of using mobile services has been done elsewhere and is seen as successful.

The SHA weighs in on which communities have the biggest challenges when it comes to addictions and overdoses.

This does not mean the government is naïve about the fact that illicit drug use is seen in all communities.

“We know that addictions are a challenge right across our province and we see it in our major centres, rural communities, First Nations and remote communities,” he said.

Another initiative is to have other types of harm reduction services, such as lockers or a ‘vending machine’, as seen in Nipawin and other communities in the Northeast area.

The vans provide clean needles and naloxone kits to prevent opioid overdoses and will also carry other supplies as needed.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com