New technology bringing harm reduction supplies to those who need it
They may look like vending machines, but this new technology coming to Winnipeg and northern communities will help remove barriers for those looking to access harm reduction supplies and services.
Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin (KIM), an organization that looks to improve health and wellness services for First Nations people in northern Manitoba, has received eight dispensation machines.
"These machines are used in just a few jurisdictions across North America," said Dr. Barry Lavallee, the chief executive officer of KIM.
Lavallee said the machines will be used primarily to dispense low-intervention harm reduction supplies, such as naloxone, clean needles and hygiene products.
Two machines are being set up at the Amoowigamig public washroom space in downtown Winnipeg, run by the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre.
He said the remaining machines will be placed in communities around Manitoba, including in Churchill.
Unlike a vending machine, the supplies inside these units will be accessible by scanning a person's palm.
Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin has received eight dispensation machines which will be used primarily to dispense low-intervention harm reduction supplies. (Source: Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin)
"We'll have the workers at the washrooms, we'll put their palms in there so that they can gain access for anybody who wants something," Lavallee said.
While only workers will be able to access the machines at this point, he said full public access may be coming in the future.
He said the goal of these machines is to give some autonomy for people who need harm reduction services.
"A lot of people who are challenged with using drugs or substances or alcohol, they might face a lot of oppression, you know, because people have a lot of ideas about people who live in a homeless environment and might be using substances," Lavallee said. "We want culturally safe and a racism-free access to services that will help their lives."
He said at this point, the machines will not be used for opiate agonist therapy, nor for safe prescribing. However, KIM is looking to possibly expand the program to deliver COVID-19 immunizations and provide rapid testing for syphilis and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
B.C.'s short-term rental regulations include $10K daily penalties for Airbnb, other platforms
Short-term rental platforms that violate B.C.'s pending regulations can face administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per day, officials announced Thursday.