COHR - Communities Organizing for Harm Reduction

02/01/2018

01-FEB-2018
❤️Ottawa Peeps❤️,
Be safer out there! The market has seen a spike in ODs over the last 48 hours that are believed to be related to carfentanil in some "speed pills (white in color)" and "brown he**in" (see drug warning below from the city of Ottawa for info).

If you can:
-Carry Naloxone
-Avoid using drugs alone
-Avoid mixing drugs or combining with alcohol
-Use a small amount first to test strength
-Use less drug(s) when tolerance may be lower

If someone does OD, remember to call 9-1-1. Even if you use Naloxone, they may need more/emergency medical care.

*DRUG WARNING from the City of Ottawa*

Please be advised that Ottawa Inner City Health Supervised Injection Service has reported an increase in overdose activity over the past 12 hours. Several clients believed to be using speed pills (white in color) and others using brown he**in experienced severe opioid overdose symptoms requiring 3-4 doses of naloxone. The overdoses resulted in a significant neurological reaction that is often associated to carfentanyl.

Please share this information along with information on supervised injection services, overdose prevention and take-home naloxone programs. Free take-home naloxone kits and training are available at the community partners listed below or at participating community pharmacies (a list of which can be found on StopOverdoseOttawa.ca or by calling the Drug & Alcohol Helpline 1-800-565-8603).

· The Site Needle & Syringe Program (office and van)
· Sandy Hill Community Health Centre’s Oasis Overdose Prevention Service
· Ottawa Inner City Health
· The NESI program at Somerset West Community Health Centre
· Ottawa Addictions Treatment Clinics

Supervised Injection Services are currently available at Ottawa Inner City Health Shepherds of Good Hope 7 days/week 24hrs/day and the Site Program’s 179 Clarence St location from 9am-9pm 7 days a week.

11/10/2017

Great work, Overdose Prevention Ottawa!

If you have time, please read their statement released today: http://bit.ly/2hsd8ke

11/09/2017

It is with heavy hearts that Overdose Prevention Ottawa share that we are closing the service we have provided on the patch of grass located at 307 St. Patrick Street since August 25, 2017. In over…

10/06/2017

o According to Bylaw 16.2. under Exemptions, emergency service providers are allowed exemptions to regular Bylaws in order to operate in a park.http://documents.ottawa.ca/sites/documents.ottawa.ca/files/2004_276_en.pdf

o The Supreme Court decided that it is unconstitutional to extend criminal prosecutions for drug possession so far as to deny life-saving health services to a population that will, as a result, face an increased risk of death and disease. A decision to force the shut-down of such a site would engage the same interests of the hundreds of people who have relied on Overdose Prevention Ottawa for life-saving health services. The fatal consequences that could result from the site’s closure are more pressing than any benefit that the City of Ottawa might derive from charging people criminally for drug possession when accessing the overdose prevention site.

o The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects individuals at the scene of an overdose from simple drug possession charges. This protection extends to the person who called 911, the person experiencing an overdose, and any other person present. OPO volunteers don’t exert control over the substances carried by guests. They are Good Samaritans who are present in a public space where people are using drugs and at risk of overdose.

o Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and PIVOT Legal Society on why OPO is not illegal: http://www.aidslaw.ca/site/good-samaritans-vs-bureaucrats-which-side-are-you-on/?lang=en

Excerpt from Overdose Prevention Ottawa's document: "Answers to Some Concerns" https://www.facebook.com/OPOttawa/photos/pcb.1936383849950196/1936383613283553/?type=3&theater

09/29/2017

COHR collective member, devoted and tireless harm reduction advocate and dear friend Ananda died last night. Rest In Power.

Take care. Look after each other. Carry Naloxone

09/05/2017

Support some amazingly radical people who are making things happen by setting up an overdose prevention site in Ottawa! Overdose Prevention Ottawa
https://www.gofundme.com/OverdosePreventionOttawa
"We are community members and service providers who have come together to respond to an overdose crisis that has taken so many of our friends and loved ones from us.
This is a health emergency that requires immediate action. Ethically, we are obligated to respond, we have no other choice.
In the last year, a countless number of pop-up overdose prevention sites have opened. We are inspired by the actions taken in these cities and are determined to provide our community with the same life-saving service it needs.
We acknowledge that Overdose Prevention Ottawa operates on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin territory. Those most hit and impacted by this crisis continue to be those marginalized by deep poverty, racism, ableism, homophobia & transphobia, and ongoing colonization.
In response, we aim to provide an inclusive space for all members of our community. Funds from this campaign will support our start up and maintenance costs and ensure that lives can be saved.
Help spread the word!"

We are community members and service providers who have come together to respond to an overdose crisis that has taken so many of our friends and loved ones from us. This is a health emergency that requires immediate action. Ethically, we are obligated to respond, we have no other choice. In the...

06/14/2017

Find us at Ottawa Explosion Weekend 2017!

04/21/2017

21-APR-2017
❤️Ottawa Peeps❤️,
Be safer out there! The city has seen a spike in ODs over the last 72hours (see link to city of Ottawa for info)

If you can:
-Carry Naloxone
-Avoid using drugs alone
-Avoid mixing drugs or combining with alcohol
-Use a small amount first to test strength
-Use less drug(s) when tolerance may be lower

If someone does OD, remember to call 9-1-1. Even if you use Naloxone, they may need more/emergency medical care.

http://ottawa.ca/en/news/increase-suspected-drug-overdose-related-emergency-department-visits-seen-ottawa-past-72-hours

04/04/2017

Standing up against a reduction of services!
If you would like to write to the Centretown CHC to tell them how you feel: [email protected]

We are writing because people who access harm reduction services at Centretown CHC have noticed a change in service delivery.

03/03/2017

Hey Folks!
Some important community work going on that may be of interest. Pick up a test at the ACO or contact us for a drop-off.

more info: http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/wheres-the-fent-aids-committee-of-ottawa-offering-strips-to-test-urine-for-fentanyl