Project ReportNeedles.ca Harm Reduction

Saskatchewan has some alarming statistics in harms from drug use. There were 92 confirmed and 199 suspected drug-related deaths in the first seven months of this year. Also, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission rate here is currently five times higher than the national average, and has been more than double the national average for more than five years. Project Reportneedles.ca, co-developed by the Eaton Lab at University of Regina and AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan Inc. (APSS) launched today in Regina. For the past two and a half years, APSS has been running a web-based app whereby the public can report exact locations of discarded needles in public spaces. With this information, needles can be safely collected and disposed of by APSS staff. Further, hotspots for needle use can be determined and harm-reduction interventions can be delivered in those areas. APSS staff plan to offer pop-up Naloxone trainings and support groups over the next two years to 50 community members each with the aim of promoting safer use practices and informing future harm-reduction initiatives. Eaton Lab will evaluate knowledge and behaviour change associated with these interventions, as well as the feasibility of a rapid assessment and response system.