Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
The Kitchener-Waterloo Safer Supply Program (SSP) opened in 2021 with funding from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addiction Program, as one of the time-limited pilot programs that offers different modalities of prescribed safer supply to address the drug toxicity overdose crisis in Canada. The Kitchener-Waterloo SSP is operated by Sanguen Health Center and The Working Center, as well as other regional partners under the Inner City Health Alliance (ICHA) who deliver health and social services to individuals living in vulnerable conditions.
Findings/Key points
Clients overwhelmingly shared that they believed they were “still alive” because of the SSP. Clients described improvements to physical and mental health and well-being following their engagement in the SSP. Clients highlighted improved access to income, food security, and housing as positive outcomes from participating in the SSP. All clients shared how the SSP provided a greater sense of stability in their lives. Program challenges were also noted.
Design/methods
We collected semi-structured interview and demographic data from clients and service providers. We analysed these data and also enrollment/baseline and 6-month follow-up survey data collected by the program from its clients.
