Resources

If you are with someone who has overdosed, call 911 immediately.

Specific to Hamilton, ON

Van Needle Syringe Program

A mobile van that currently operates 7 days a week and delivers free needles, condoms, and safe injection supplies (alcohol swabs, sterile water, cookers, ascorbic acid, filters). It also offers needle disposal, counselling and referrals, and refills for overdose prevention kits.

Phone: (905) 317-9966

Keeping Six

A community-based organization that defends the rights, dignity, and humanity of people who use drugs. Has a drop-in program for people who use drugs that runs every Tuesday, but this is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hamilton Overdose Prevention Education Program

A program that provides free overdose response training and naloxone kits to individuals who are at risk of overdose or those who support others using substances. There are a number of clinics and community pharmacies located throughout Hamilton that provide naloxone overdose prevention kit providers, with all locations listed on the website.

Hamilton Urban Core’s Overdose Prevention Site

An overdose prevention site located at 71 Rebecca Street for individuals to safely and hygienically inject pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of qualified staff. Other services offered include sterile injection supplies, overdose prevention and intervention, education, nursing, and referrals. There are three injection areas on-site and a minimum of three staff at all times (a healthcare professional, a harm reduction worker, and a peer support worker).

Ontario-Wide

ConnexOntario Helpline

A free, confidential service for individuals with mental health, addiction, and problem gambling concerns. Ontarians can either call, email, or web-chat 24/7 to receive support, information, and referrals.

Phone: 1-866-531-2600

Good2Talk

A free, confidential service for post-secondary students in Ontario that provides professional counselling, as well as information and referrals for mental health, addictions, and well-being. Students can either call or text 24/7.

Phone: 1-866-925-5454

Text: 686868, text GOOD2TALKON

Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinics

Walk-in clinics available across Ontario that offer help for individuals seeking treatment for a substance use disorder. RAAM clinics do not require a referral or appointment and are found in many municipalities across the province, with a full location list accessible at the website above.

Telehealth Ontario

A free, confidential telephone service that directly connects you with a registered nurse. This resource is accessible 24/7 in over 300 languages and you can speak about any health matters, including mental health or addiction concerns.

Phone: Call 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007)

Canada-Wide

Problematic Substance Use Resources

A list of services, many of them open 24 hours, that you can immediately contact to get help for substance use. Resources are organized by location and include services accessible to all Canadians, as well as those specific to certain provinces and territories.