Harm reduction is an evidence-based, person-centered approach that aims to reduce the health and social harms associated with high-risk behaviors - such as substance use and sexual activity - without requiring abstinence as a condition for support.
Northern Health’s harm reduction services are designed to improve outcomes related to substance use, addiction, overdose, and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). These services strive to:
- Reduce preventable illness, injury, and death
- Provide inclusive, compassionate, and accessible care
- Promote safer communities through education and engagement
Harm reduction services in Northern Health
- Northern Health offers a range of harm reduction supports for individuals, families, and communities. These services aim to strengthen local health systems and improve overall well-being.
To learn more about available supports and connect with additional resources:
- Contact your local health unit for information specific to your community
- Visit Toward the Heart to locate harm reduction sites near you
- Explore our overdose prevention page for guidance on overdose response, treatment options, and what to do if you or someone else is experiencing an overdose
Prevention of HIV/ hepatitis C, and other bloodborne pathogens
Northern Health offers confidential testing, education, prevention, and treatment services for HIV and hepatitis C. These supports are designed to reduce transmission, improve health outcomes, and help individuals live full, healthy lives. To find out everything you need to know about HIV and hepatitis C, visit HIV and hepatitis C.
Safer sex
Sexual and reproductive health is a key component of overall wellness throughout life, and it matters for people of all sexes and genders. Northern Health supports a sex-positive approach to care—encouraging open, respectful, and non-judgmental conversations about sexuality as part of comprehensive health services. To learn more, visit Sexual health.
Safer substance use
Northern Health provides resources to help individuals, families, schools, and communities prevent, reduce, or quit tobacco, cannabis, vaping, and alcohol use. Supports include education, tools, and guidance for healthier living. For more information, visit:
- Smoking and commercial tobacco
- Cannabis use
- Alcohol
- Visit Toward the Heart to learn more about harm reduction supplies, Take Home Naloxone, and how to access them in your community
Drug checking
Many harm reduction sites throughout Northern Health offer drug checking services. Knowing what is in your drugs can help prevent overdose and other health complications. Visit our overdose prevention page to learn more and find a site in your area.
Peer support resources
The involvement of people with lived or living experience of drug use (peers) is a critical component of effective overdose prevention work. A network has been established to support connection between peers in the North, and to enable engagement with health care service providers. For more information, please contact Peer.Network@northernhealth.ca
Wildfires/extreme weather and substance use
- Emergency evacuee guidance for the public - Province of British Columbia
- Extreme cold resource (PDF) - Toward the Heart
- Getting prescriptions and carries during extreme weather (PDF) - Toward the Heart
- Prepare for an extreme heat event: A guide for people who use substances (PDF) - Toward the Heart
- Prepare an extreme heat kit (PDF) - Toward the Heart
- Stay safe during extreme heat events (PDF) - Toward the Heart
- Using substances during extreme heat (PDF) - Toward the Heart