Harm Reduction:
Project X-Change
Project X-Change is a Harm Reduction program dedicated to protecting the general public and substance users from contamination caused by indiscriminate disposal in public areas and use of infected items. The program provides access to sterile needles and other sterile items such as water, alcohol swabs, Vitamin C, cookers and filters as well as condoms and latex-free tourniquets. Referrals to a variety of services ranging from Health Care to Addictions Treatment Programs are available upon request along with safer injection and safer sex information for people engaging in at-risk activities.
Project X-Change is funded by the Durham Region Health Department and has satellite site partnerships with the Aids Committee of Durham Region and Pinewood Centre and Mental Health Service. It is also an active member of the Durham Harm Reduction Coalition comprised of many community agencies and services including Durham Regional Police Services, Durham Public Health, Aids Committee of Durham, Pinewood Centre and Mental Health Services, Joanne’s Place, Cornerstone Community Alternatives, First Step Methadone Clinic, Salvation Army, Positive Care Clinic (Lakeridge Health), Canadian Mental Health Association and the Oshawa Community Health Centre.
The public is encouraged to participate in Project X-Change, available in Ajax, Oshawa, Whitby and Bowmanville offices from Monday to Friday. Our street outreach workers operate a mobile unit Monday to Friday in the evenings from 6 – 11 pm.
Please note, Exchanges are not available between 12 and 1pm Monday through Thursday, and 12 - 1:30pm on Fridays at fixed site locations.
Contact:
Beth Whalen, Coordinator, Harm Reduction Services
( beth.whalen@jhsdurham.on.ca )
For service after 6pm, 905-440-5410 or 905-440-5387
Additional resources you may find useful:
Article in the Oshawa This Week
"Addicts turn to Heroin, other drugs, to replace OxyContin"
The Canadian Aids Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) http://www.hepcinfo.ca or 1-800-263-1638
Webinars covering Opioids, Pain & Addiction, and more. Fantastic self-learning materials
