The Point (Harm Reduction Supplies and Services)
We provide free and confidential harm reduction supplies and services to reduce the risks of getting or passing on infectious diseases, like HIV and hepatitis C, and to reduce risks associated with using drugs. We are committed to offering our clients services with respect and without judgement.
Free supplies and services:
- sterile needles, injection, and inhalation equipment
- information about safer drug use
- information about safer sex
- community referrals to services
- disposal containers for used needles and sharps
- condoms and lube
- naloxone
Elm Place, Sudbury
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
705.522.9200, ext. 778
10 Elm Street, Unit 130, Elm Place
Our Sexual Health Clinic also offers hepatitis B and C testing, hepatitis B vaccinations, anonymous HIV testing, and other free and confidential services.
Espanola
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
705.222.9202, ext. 778
800 Centre Street, Unit 100C, Espanola Mall
Closed from noon to 1 p.m. Outdoor drop-off kiosk, accessible at any time.
Manitoulin Island
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
705.370.9200, ext. 778
6163 Highway 542
Closed from noon to 1 p.m. Outdoor drop-off kiosk, accessible at any time.
Have you found a needle? Learn how to safely pick up a discarded needle and what to do with it.
Frequently asked questions
From a Public Health perspective, harm reduction is a set of non-judgmental policies and programs that aim to provide or enhance skills, knowledge, resources, and support for people so that they can live safer, healthier lives.
Harm reduction interventions can be geared towards
- the individual
- family
- community
- society
Examples of public health harm reduction strategies include condom distribution, smoking bans in public places, safer sex campaigns, needle and syringe programs (NSP), and low-risk alcohol drinking campaigns.
Harm reduction services related to substance use aim to provide strategies to reduce drug-related harms including death, disease, and injury without requiring the cessation of drug use while also empowering people to have control of their health and well-being.
For many people who use drugs, harm reduction is often the first or only link that they have to the health and social service system, and it can be a pathway to treatment and other services.
Research shows that needle and syringe programs do reduce the number of new infections of HIV and reduce risk behaviours among individuals who inject drugs. In addition to health promotion, needle and syringe programs also provide cost savings to the health care system.
Public Health’s role is to reduce the harms and costs of infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, and to reduce transmission. Having access to needles and other supplies reduces the spread of these diseases as well as other serious health conditions.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
Scent-free environment: Our locations are scent-free. Please do not use scented products if you will be in our office locations. Thank you.