Frequently Asked Questions

 SCS' are places where people who use drugs (PWUD) can go to use pre-obtained drugs in a safe, empathetic place, free of stigma and discrimination. SCS are shown to help reduce the harms associated with criminalized drug use and help empower PWUD to make decisions regarding their own care.

PWUD have the opportunity to work with healthcare and harm reduction professionals to access education, sterile equipment, supervised consumption services, social services, and a rapid response in the event of an overdose.

In short, SCS save lives while empowering individuals to make decisions affecting their own lives and creating long term change.

 Wraparound services:

• Harm reduction supplies;
• Supervised consumption services;
• Drug testing;
• Overdose response;
• Case management;
  • Needs assessment, housing referrals, advocacy.
• Smudging;
• Brief supportive counselling;
• First aid and initial assessments;
• Referral services;
• Harm reduction education;
• Cultural services;
• Referrals to wound care and/or primary care services.

 SCS Wraparound Services refers to a comprehensive approach to providing support and services to   

people who use drugs. These services are typically community-based and aim to create a customized, coordinated, and holistic plan to address the various challenges faced by individuals.

Here are some examples of wraparound services that may be provided by an SCS:

1. Case Management: SCS often offer case management services to individuals and families. Case managers work closely with members to assess their needs, develop individualized care plans, coordinate services, and monitor progress. They act as a central point of contact and help connect members to various resources and supports.
2. Mental Health Services: Wraparound services may include access to mental health professionals such as therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists. These professionals provide assessment, counseling, therapy, and medication management to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
3. Educational Support: Wraparound services often include educational support for harm reduction. This may involve workshops, drug testing, wound care, drug checking is provided to assist individuals to have a better understanding of the composition of unregulated drugs and assisting members to develop safer injecting techniques .
4. Housing Assistance: SCS may provide support in securing and maintaining stable housing. This can include housing counseling, assistance with rental applications,  referal to housing supports, and referrals to homeless shelters or transitional housing programs.
5. Employment and Vocational Services: Wraparound programs may offer assistance in finding employment or vocational training opportunities. This can involve job coaching, resume building, skills training, and connecting individuals with job placement services or vocational programs. Links to peer programs and referals to supports.
6. Health Care Access: Wraparound services may help individuals navigate the healthcare system and access necessary medical and dental care. This can involve connecting them with healthcare providers, assisting with health insurance enrollment, and facilitating medical appointments.
7. Transportation Assistance: SCS may provide transportation assistance to ensure individuals can access various services, such as medical appointments, therapy sessions, or job interviews. This can include arranging transportation services or providing bus passes.
8. Crisis Intervention Support: Wraparound services often include crisis intervention support. This ensures that individuals have access to immediate assistance and resources during times of crisis or emergencies.
9. Cultural services: SCS may link with cultural supports and partnerships may offer services within the SCS.

 Supervised Consumption Sites provide a safe, empathetic space for people who use drugs to consume unregulated and criminalized substances under the supervision of  under the supervision of highly trained staff, including Registered Nurses and Primary Care Paramedics. By doing so, SCS help reduce fatalities associated with drug use. SCS also rebuild trust between people who use drugs and health and social services providers which facilitates access to services when they are ready for them. SCS are proven to have a higher success rate than traditional “hard on drugs” approaches. 

 Harm reduction agencies provide sterile/new supplies to people who are seeking them. The provision of these sterile supplies helps reduce the transmission of bloodborne or bacterial infections. This provides agencies the opportunity to connect with people who use drugs, share harm reduction knowledge and strategies, and connect members with services and treatment options as requested. 

 Services provided by Réseau ACCESS Network and other SCS/CTS/OPS are focused on Harm and Risk Reduction. Referrals to treatment services are offered when requested by PWUD. By utilizing a SCS and outreach services, PWUD have greater autonomy to make decisions regarding their health, well-being, and substance use. This creates opportunities for linkages to health and social care including treatment when and if requested by PWUD.