Harm Reduction & Substance Use Information for Health Professionals

Harm Reduction: an approach that aims to reduce drug-related harm experienced by individuals and communities without necessarily reducing the consumption of drugs.

 

People who use drugs may require access to various services, and don’t always disclose their drug use to their primary care provider.

Toronto Public Health encourages health professionals to follow these four recommendations:

The Works Program at Toronto Public Health offers a range of services including:

  • harm reduction supply distribution
  • counselling and support
  • Methadone Works – Opioid Substitution Clinic
  • naloxone kit distribution (>POINT Program) and overdose recognition and response training
  • testing and vaccination
  • general nursing care
  • mobile outreach
  • supervised injection services
  • support for community agencies

For more information call 416-392-0502.

Note: Patients can self-refer. Provide patients with the link to The Works Harm Reduction Services, and/or the contact information. Let your patients know that services are offered through anonymous walk-ins.

Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics

  • Anishnawbe Health Toronto – for Indigenous community members
  • Humber River Hospital
  • Michael Garron Hospital
  • North York General Hospital
  • St. James Town Family Health Team
  • St. Joseph’s Health Centre
  • St. Michael’s Hospital
  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
  • Toronto Western Hospital
  • Women’s College Hospital

Details re: location, contact information and hours for Toronto RAAM Clinics (Scroll down page to Toronto.)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) RAAM Clinic

Bell Gateway Building

100 Stokes St, 3rd Floor
Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Phone: 416-535-8501

If you suspect your client is using drugs, give them (and friends/family members) a naloxone kit*, or educate them on where they can get one:

  • Ontario Locator
  • Some Toronto community health centres:
    • Sherbourne Health Centre (416-324-4100)
    • South Riverdale CHC (416-461-1925)
    • Regent Park CHC (416-364-2261)
    • Parkdale CHC (416-537-2455)
    • Queen West CHC (416-703-8480)
  • Toronto Public Health the Works Harm Reductions Services, 416-392-0502

* More information on how to become a naloxone distributor.

  1. Obtain a free take-home naloxone kit. Encourage your family and friends to get a free kit too.
  2. If someone is experiencing an overdose, call 911 and give naloxone. Start chest compressions, give another dose of naloxone if no response and do not leave the person alone.
  3. If you haven’t used for a while, or if you have a new dealer or new supply, start slow, do a tester.
  4. Do not use alone. If using alone, have someone check on you.
  5. If you would like help with your substance use contact a Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic.

Thoughtful conversation between clinicians and patients are encouraged to reduce harms associated with opioid prescribing. Prescribers should consult the recommendations for their specialties, see The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or The Opioid Wisely campaign.

More Information