The Queen City Needle ExchangeThe Queen City Needle Exchange provides clean needles and a safe disposal location for used needles. Education on safer practices and keeping used needles out of the community is an important function of our needle exchange program.
Our program is anonymous and confidential. Our needle exchange clients are set up with an ID (consisting of their first, middle, and last initial, month and year of birth) which helps us to keep track of the needles exchanged and stats. The number of needles brought in can be exchanged back, but we can also give a 10 pack a day if needles are needed. We also offer a range of drug supplies such as sterile water and cookers to help reduce the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C. Our staff can offer harm reduction counselling regarding sexual health and safer drug use practices and addictions counselling including referrals to treatment. *For needle exchange outside our working hours, please contact the Street Project Van at (306) 766-7799. What to do if you find a needle:
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Harm Reduction for Drug Users
Injecting:
Injecting:
- Always use a clean and new needle. Clean the area with an alcohol swab before you inject. Do not swab after the injection. Always insert the needle and inject in the same direction the blood in your vein is flowing (blood in your veins flows towards your heart). Always take your time and inject slowly.
- Use a clean and new cooker and sterile water to mix drugs and prevent disease and infection.
- Your arms and hands are the safest places to inject. Never inject into your head, neck, groin, or genitals. Try to rotate your injection sites.
- Dispose of needles safely into a sharps container and/or bring them in to a needle exchange.