WAHA Launches Indigenous Harm Reduction Program in Northeast Ontario

The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) announced on August 25 the launch of an Indigenous Harm Reduction program in response to the toxic drug supply crisis and increasing opioid poisonings in Indigenous communities in northeastern Ontario.

WAHA has stated the program is intended to address what it identifies as a public health emergency that is disproportionately affecting Indigenous peoples in the region. According to WAHA, the harms related to substance use are linked to social, historical, and systemic factors that impact community health and wellness.

In a joint statement, WAHA leadership said, “When grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural teachings, and local leadership, harm reduction becomes more than a clinical response — it is a healing practice.”

Over the coming months, WAHA indicated it will initiate an awareness and education campaign across the region, expand access to Naloxone kits, and increase its harm reduction team to better meet the needs of communities. The organization also said it will continue working with the First Nation communities it serves to support and expand harm reduction strategies.

WAHA expressed that it sees the implementation of the Indigenous Harm Reduction program as an urgent step towards advancing health equity and culturally safe care. Further details on the program are available on the WAHA website.