The principles that guide our approach

The Principles of Harm Reduction

Pragmatism

Accepts the fact that non-medical substance use is a reality around the world.

Human Rights

Respects the basic human dignity and rights of all people who use drugs.

Focus on Harms

Prioritizes decreasing the negative consequences of drug use to the user and others.

Maximize Intervention Options

Avoids a one-size-fits-all approach and recognizes the importance of a variety of different types of interventions.

Priority of Immediate Goals

Meets the person where they are and focuses on incremental gains that can build over time.

Involvement of People Who Use Drugs

Values the important experience of people with lived and living experience of drug use and includes their perspective in a meaningful way.

Ways we can help you lower your risk

Full-service harm reduction program

Safer injection equipment (needles, cookers, ties, swaps, sharps, and Vit C)
Safer inhalation kits (stem pipes and bubble pipes)
Safer snorting kits (plastic or paper straws)
Safer foil kits (foil, hooters)
Naloxone kits and overdose prevention training
Drug Checking Program
Outreach nursing services on Wednesday afternoon
Drop-in programs for support, coffee, computer or phone use
Supportive listening, case management, and health navigation
Health and harm reduction education programs
Free condoms and dental dams
Mitts, socks, hygiene supplies
Referral and advocacy services

Needle and Pipe Program

6189 6th Avenue - Cook Street window

Weekdays from 8:30am to 5:30pm (closed statutory holidays)

867-332-8268

Outreach Van

Every night from 5:30pm to 9:30pm

867-334-1647

Supervised Consumption Site

6189 6th Avenue - 5th Avenue entrance

Everyday from 10:30am to 9:30pm

867-687-4545

In Yukon communities, please contact your local Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services Hub.

Or, call Blood Ties Rural Partnership Coordinator:

Vacant
Rural Partnership Coordinator
867-332-8266
‍partnership@bloodties.ca

What to do if you find a needle

Used Needle Disposal & Pickup

If you find a needle that has been tossed, follow these steps:

Never use your hands to pick up a needle!
If possible, have someone stay with the needle to prevent anyone from getting poked.

In Whitehorse:

Call Blood Ties Four Directions Centre at 867-633-2437 Monday-Friday 8:30am to 12 noon and 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Call or text the Outreach Van at 867-334-1647 from Monday-Saturday 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Don’t put your hands anywhere there might be a needle hidden.

Outside Whitehorse:

Call the RCMP or the local Community Health Centre for advice.

If you or someone else is pricked by a used needle:

Immediately call Yukon Communicable Disease Control at 867-667-8323 or Whitehorse General Hospital at 867-393-8700.

Get support from people who understand

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club is a support group for people who use substances from all walks of life. The group meets weekly on a drop-in basis to discuss various topics relating to substance use, education, and local community events.

Conversation topics include safer substance use, sexual health, overdose prevention, community events and news, and advocacy. Each week is run by two Blood Ties staff, typically being Stacey Taylor and Wren Gessner.

Breakfast Club meets every Tuesday morning from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Sign-up begins Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM, with 12 seats available each week. There is a small stipend for attending and participation.