Harm Reduction:
Project X-Change
Project X-Change is a harm reduction program dedicated to protecting the general public from contamination caused by indiscriminate disposal of infected items in public areas. The program provides access to sterile needles, syringes, and condoms, and also provides information promoting safer injection drug use, and information on safer sex to individuals involved in at-risk activities.
Project X is conducted with the cooperation of the Durham Region Health Department, Durham Regional Police Services, the YWCA, the Addiction Research Foundation, The AIDS Committee of Durham, Pinewood Centre, Colborne Residential Services, Destiny Manor, and Cornerstone Community Alternatives.
The public is encouraged to participate in Project X, available in Ajax, Oshawa, Whitby and Bowmanville offices from Monday to Friday. Our street outreach worker operates a mobile unit Monday to Friday in the evenings from until 10pm.
Please note, Exchanges are not available between 12 and 1pm Monday through Thursday, and 12 - 1:30pm on Fridays.
Contact:
Beth Whalen, Program Manager
( beth.whalen@jhsdurham.on.ca )
For serivce after 5pm, 905-440-5387 or 905-440-5410
Project "C" For Yourself
(Hepatitis C Awareness Program)
This program offers education, awareness and support for drug users (past or present) and ex-offenders who are infected, or at risk of becoming infected with Hepatitis C through activities such as:
- shared injection equipment
- shared stems/pipes/straws
- have home-made tattoos/peircings
Workshops have limited seating and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Topics include:
- General knowledge/awareness
- Symptoms
- Nutrition
- Treatment
- Protection & Transmission
- Stigma and Discrimination
- Community Supports
- Living with someone who has Hep. C
This program also offers a monthly support group for those infected with Hepatitis C, held in the Oshawa office of JHS on the first Wednesday of each month, from 6:30pm - 8:00pm
To participate in this program or for more information please contact Fraser Hinch (Hep. C Counsellor) through one of the following methods:
- 905-579-8482 x244
- 905-244-3202 (cell)
- fraser.hinch@jhsdurham.on.ca
Additional resources you may find useful:
The "C" for Yourself Brochure (PDF File, opens in a new window)
The CanHepCList run by Smilin Sandi at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CANHepC/
The Canadian Aids Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) http://www.hepcinfo.ca or 1-800-263-1638
