Harm reduction community drop-ins in Northern Zone

Nova Scotia Health and local community organizations are collaborating to host several drop-in events focused on harm reduction within the community. At these events, attendees can expect support and valuable insights on substance use harm reduction strategies.

People of all ages are invited to attend the drop-in events during the following dates and times:

• Thursday, March 21, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the River Hebert Community Center, 1808 Hwy 242, River Hebert.  
• Monday, March 25, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the New Glasgow Public Library, 182 Dalhousie St., New Glasgow.
• Monday, April 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Riverview United Church, 760 Hwy #2, Elmsdale.
• Thursday, May 2, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fire Department Hall, 165 Victoria St., Truro.

Nova Scotia Health, alongside community partners such as the Northern Healthy Connections Society and people with lived/living experience, will be present to:

• Offer assistance and guidance regarding harm reduction strategies and pathways to access relevant services.
• Provide training on the administration of Naloxone, including information on where to obtain free take-home naloxone kits.
• Engage in conversations with attendees while offering light refreshments.
• Provide information on community supports such as the National Overdose Response Service, Moms Stop the Harm, Holding Hope, Healing Hearts and much more.

These pop-up events aim to empower residents with the necessary knowledge and resources to effectively support their community members.

This is the second series of drop-in events held in the community following several opioid overdoses.

Nova Scotians can self-refer to Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions program by calling the intake service (toll-free) 1-855-922-1122 to be connected to a clinician Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8 p.m. The intake service provides triage, screening, and navigation for programs offered through the Mental Health and Addictions program at Nova Scotia Health (and IWK).

Access Wellness Nova Scotia is a free single-session supportive counselling service for individuals, couples, or families. Trained counsellors can help people manage stress, mild to moderate depression or anxiety, relationship issues, general mental health concerns, concerns related to alcohol and drug use, loss and more. Visit AccessWellnessNovaScotia.ca or call 1-833-691-2282 to make an appointment.

The Peer Support Telephone Service is available to all Nova Scotians 18+ experiencing mild mental health and substance use concerns or who are feeling isolated, alone, anxious, distressed, or need someone to talk to who will listen with empathy and without judgment. The trained peer supporter will provide non-urgent social and emotional support, reassurance, encouragement to callers, and information regarding community services. Call toll-free at 1-800-307-1686.

The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or someone concerned about them—call (toll-free) 1-888-429-8167.

Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions program (MHAP) has free e-Mental Health and Addictions tools available to all Nova Scotians. These tools include:

Tranquility – Free support for people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Tranquility can be completed at your own pace with the support of a coach.

Mindwell U -  MindWell’s unique, research-backed approach to mindfulness alleviates symptoms of stress, overwhelm, burnout and more while increasing the ability to experience more joy, calm, engagement in all areas of life. This service is available in English and French.

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) – Free and private online resource that includes interactive activities and videos for people having challenges with their mental health. This service is available in English and French.

Togetherall – Free and safe online peer-to-peer mental health community that empowers individuals to anonymously seek and provide support 24/7. It is available to all youth and young adults, providing an inclusive and supportive place to connect with others with real lived experience with common mental health concerns. To sign up, register at togetherall.com and use your Nova Scotia postal code.

Visit Mental Health and Addiction’s program website, http://MHAhelpNS.ca, to learn more about our services, resources, and tools.

To learn more about the provincial Take Home Naloxone Program, please visit: http://www.nsnaloxone.com/.