Prairie Harm Reduction Incorporated

Overview

Prairie Harm Reduction Incorporated is a registered Canadian charity operating under the Business Registration Number 118779065RR0001. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for community members through harm reduction strategies, focusing on local action with national impact.

Mission and Mandate

The mission of Prairie Harm Reduction Incorporated is to enhance community well-being by implementing gold standard harm reduction practices. Its mandate specifically emphasizes serving individuals at risk or affected by HIV and Hepatitis C by reducing discrimination, removing barriers, and promoting innovative, evidence-based outcomes.

Services and Programs

Prairie Harm Reduction offers a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Safe Consumption Sites: Provides a safe, judgment-free environment for individuals to consume substances, supporting those actively using or affected by substance use.
• Support Services: Offers safe spaces and outreach support for individuals and families facing barriers or instability.
• Youth Programs: Operates semi-independent youth homes for youth aged 16-21.
• Education and Training: Provides educational programs and resources on topics such as HIV, HCV, harm reduction, service navigation, and Naloxone training.

Role in the Community

The organization plays a critical role in addressing health crises, including the management of needle disposal in neighborhoods like Pleasant Hill, Riversdale, and Mayfair. Through initiatives like Needle Patrollers, they help maintain community safety.

Challenges and Advocacy

In recent years, Prairie Harm Reduction has faced significant challenges, including reduced provincial support for harm reduction policies. This has resulted in increased operational costs and the need to reduce service hours. Despite these challenges, the organization continues to advocate for evidence-based solutions to address the overdose crisis.

Public and Community Engagement

Prairie Harm Reduction engages in annual satisfaction surveys to improve services and has been vocal about the inadequacy of government responses to the overdose crisis, emphasizing the importance of adequately funded harm reduction services.

[1] https://prairiehr.ca [2] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aids-saskatoon/ [3] https://prairiehr.ca/pages/about [4] https://globalnews.ca/news/11099921/prairie-harm-reduction-government-response-overdose-crisis/ [5] https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/saskatoons-prairie-harm-reduction-reduces-operating-hours