It’s been announced that there are now 5 operational harm reduction vans in the province.
The fifth van is now working 5 days a week in Prince Albert.
The other vans are working in Regina, Saskatoon, North Battleford, and Yorkton.
Harm reduction van staff provide safer injection and inhalation supplies, safer sex supplies, naloxone, as well as education for clients on naloxone use.
The vans provide return and disposal options to reduce discarded needles in the community as well as basic health care such as treating wounds, infections, or HIV testing.
“It is critical to connect with vulnerable clients who may not otherwise access mainstream healthcare services,” Minister for Mental Health and Addictions Everett Hindley said.
“Mobile services provide an opportunity to build relationships with healthcare teams and services while bringing lifesaving supplies and education to individuals. These vans and the professionals delivering their services do important work, and this creates greater opportunity for those struggling with addictions to engage on a path to recovery and treatment.”
The Ministry of Health is investing a record-high total of $470 million for mental health and addictions services in 2022 and 2023, including an increase of $8 million for targeted mental health and addictions initiatives.
These initiatives provide treatment and reduce harms associated with substance use.
The budget also includes investments across the province, such as $2.1 million for 150 additional addiction treatment spaces, expansion of public Take Home Naloxone Kit Program to more than 85 communities, and $1 million to the Drug Task Force for various research and community projects.
Planning is currently underway to implement additional mobile harm reduction services, including three new community wellness buses that will travel to communities in south, central and northern Saskatchewan in the near future.