ANKORS (Aids Network, Kootenay Outreach and Support Society)
Harm reduction supplies
We offer harm reduction supplies in our Nelson, Cranbrook, and Grand forks offices,
as well as a mobile service to many Kootenay communities.
We believe that:
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Easy access to clean supplies is crucial in limiting the transmission of blood-borne infections (BBIs) within our communities.
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Intravenous drug use is a significant issue in rural areas, yet it remains underrecognized due to fear, ignorance, and a lack of understanding. This has led to many individuals who use drugs being marginalized and pushed into the shadows of our region.
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Shame and isolation place individuals at increased risk of overdose, contracting illnesses such as Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS, and significantly reduce the likelihood of seeking the medical care and services they need. This, in turn, poses a risk to the broader community.
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Outreach efforts that provide supplies are an effective means of reducing stigma, creating essential points of contact with marginalized individuals, and fostering greater community connection.
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Harm reduction is a life-saving approach that benefits everyone.
We offer:
We offer a wide range of harm reduction supplies free of charge, with no prescription required. Our inventory includes needles of various sizes (for IV, IM, or SubQ injections), pipes, foil kits, safer snorting kits, naloxone kits, disinfectant wipes, sharps containers, and more.
Our mobile outreach service operates on a regularly scheduled monthly route throughout the West Kootenays, including Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Salmo, Ymir, Fruitvale, Grand Forks, the Boundary area, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Slocan Valley, New Denver, and Nakusp. Additionally, we provide outreach services in the East Kootenays through our Peer Health Navigators based in Moyie, Cranbrook, and Kimberley, with regular trips to Creston.
To connect with our mobile outreach worker, please call (250) 777-0733 to arrange a meeting place and to learn when and where we will be in your area.
We also provide lock boxes for safe disposal of used supplies in Kootenay businesses and community spaces, ensuring secure disposal in public locations.
