The Safer Supply Program is an extension of the traditional harm reduction support and services currently being offered through Sanguen Health Centre and The Working Centre. In partnership with the Inner City Health Alliance, The Working Centre and Sanguen Health Centre received funding from Health Canada to address the devastating impacts of the opioid crisis in the Region of Waterloo.
Through this program, physicians and Nurse Practitioners prescribe legal, pharmaceutical opioids to participants to replace the toxic street supply. The Safer Supply program focuses on a team-based, person-centered approach within a community-based model of care. Our program offers stability for clients by providing support around a participant's substance use and other social determinants of health.
Who can participate in the program?
This program is offered to high-risk individuals who use unregulated, street-level opioids and are at high risk of overdose and overdose related death. Criteria is determined once the referral form is processed. In order to be eligible for this program, you must reside in Kitchener-Waterloo.
What is expected of the program participants?
Each participant is required to adhere to a set of guidelines in order to participate in the program. The guidelines are reviewed during the initial intake and in the Program Agreement and include but are not limited to:
- Participants will be expected to attend weekly appointments with their doctor/Nurse Practitioner, submit weekly urine samples, and pick up their medication as directed at their specified pharmacy.
- Participants will be honest with their doctor/Nurse Practitioner regarding drug use outside of their Safer Supply prescription.
- Participants will be expected to engage with Community Navigators, Care Facilitators, and Nurses on social and health related goals.
- Participants will not sell or otherwise divert their Safer Supply medication. Diversion represents a reason for removal from the Safer Supply program.
How can I submit a referral to this program for myself or another person?
Referrals can be submitted independently or by a service provider on behalf of somebody interested in the program. Referrals can be submitted in person at 115 Water Street North, Kitchener.
In person drop off is only open between 1:00pm and 4:00pm on the opening date, please see below for referral opening dates.
Please note that we will only be accepting a limited number of referrals in person. Once we receive the maximum number of referral forms, the window to submit referral forms will be closed. Please check the website for upcoming opening dates. Due to capacity we will not be holding a wait list.
Referral Opening Dates:
July 5, 2022
Safer Supply Referral Form
Access printable referral form (PDF):
The online Google form is closed until further notice.
For more information about the Safer Supply Program, please email safersupply@sanguen.com.
The Safer Supply Program received support from the Government of Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program.
