Women's Harm Reduction
The Women’s Harm Reduction Program is for women who use illicit drugs and/or are working in the sex trade. Women who use illicit drugs and work in the sex trade face unique challenges. This program works to acknowledge those challenges and develop responsive, supportive programming. 95% of women interviewed experienced violence in their life, and 65% experienced violence in the past year. (Interviews of women who use illicit drugs and engage in sex work was done by SRCHC in 2007.) Rates of HIV among females are increasing. The majority of new HIV cases among females are from firstly, injection drug use and secondly, sexual contact with an infected person. (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006) Harm Reduction programs are used predominately by men (Public Health Agency of Canada, August, 2006).
We Offer:
Harm reduction supplies (e.g. needles, crack stems, etc) Basic needs items (tampons, pads, underwear etc) Harm reduction counselling, support services and advocacy Referrals to doctors, nurses, counselors / case managers, detoxes, housing workers, shelters, Hep C education & treatment programs and more
Sexual Health Programming:
Sexual health education and counselling Safer sex supplies (condoms, lube, female condoms) Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) Free pregnancy test kits Free Emergency Contraception Pills
Support for Sex Workers:
Sex worker safety planning Bad Date reporting Support for women who have been assaulted / sexually assaulted
Women’s Harm Reduction Breakfast Drop-in
4th floor, Tuesdays 9-11 am is a safe place for women to talk, hang-out or just drop-in. Free breakfast, talk to a nurse, get health education, support and referral services, and harm reduction supplies.
Women’s Hour
Molly’s office, Mondays 8-9 am drop in for coffee or tea. A Harm Reduction Worker (Molly) and a Nurse (Pat) are available. During this hour you can drop in to chat, get sexual health testing, get a pap test, pick up harm reduction supplies, basic needs items or free pregnancy test kits.
Sex Worker Health Bus Outreach
Wednesdays, 5 - 6 am (approx.) Queen Street East area
We partner with the Health Bus to provide mobile outreach including:
Harm reduction supplies Nursing care Basic needs / hygiene supplies
