Harm reduction is a public health approach that reduces the health, social, and economic harms of substance use. It focuses on keeping people who use drugs as safe and as healthy as possible while supporting them to make positive, health-promoting changes in their lives, aligned with their own goals. These goals may include reducing or discontinuing substance use, but they do not have to.
Harm reduction services benefit people who use drugs, their families, and the community. These services help prevent the spread of blood‑borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, overdoses and overdose deaths, skin and soft tissue infections and other health harms. They are cost-effective and evidence-based.
Ontario Harm Reduction Distribution Program
Basics of harm reduction (video)
Harm Reduction Equipment Distribution Program
As part of comprehensive harm reduction services, the Harm Reduction Equipment Distribution Program provides free and confidential support. Community members can access:
- Syringes in a variety of sizes
- Alcohol swabs, cookers, filters, sterile water, tourniquets, and vitamin C packets
- Condoms and personal lubricant
- Safer injection and inhalation kits
- Bins (containers) for safe sharps disposal
- Naloxone training and kits
- Information on safer drug‑use practices
- HIV and hepatitis education
- Counselling and treatment referrals
Our Community Healthbox is located inside SOAR Community services at 73 Murray Street in Brantford and is a one-stop shop for free harm reduction supplies, safer sex materials, HIV self-testing, and Naloxone kits via a vending machine.
Our Community Healthbox is a research program, visit OurHealthBox.ca to learn more.
Hours of Operation
Our Healthbox is available after-hours at SOAR Community Services, 73 Murray Street, Brantford, N3S 5N8: Our Community Healthbox operates seven days a week, 365 days a year, 8. a.m. – 12 a.m.
Our Healthbox operates seven days a week, 365 days a year, 8 a.m. – 12 a.m. If you need access to these supplies outside of the listed hours, please see the Harm Reduction Equipment Distribution Program Locations tab below.
What is Our Healthbox?
Our Healthbox is a research project led by REACH Nexus at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. The program places special vending machines in communities across Canada to give people free, low-barrier access to harm reduction and sexual health supplies, including HIV self-test kits. Each machine also includes a directory of local health services.
In Brantford, Our Healthbox is available at SOAR Community Services, 73 Murray St. The program will run here for at least three years.
Please note: Our Healthbox is not for emergencies. If you need urgent help, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
What is the goal of Our Healthbox?
The goal is to make it easier for people to access HIV self-testing and harm reduction supplies—especially outside of regular business hours.
Why use vending machines?
Many places that give out harm reduction supplies are only open weekdays during the day. The vending machine helps people get what they need at any time, with fewer barriers.
What supplies are available?
Depending on the location, the vending machine may offer:
- HIV self-test kits
- Syringe kits (short and long)
- Crack kits, meth pipes, and inhalation kits
- Naloxone kits (injectable and nasal)
- Sharps disposal containers (personal size)
- Foil kits and snorting kits
- Condoms and lubricant
How do I use the machine?
- You can browse the health information and service directory without logging in.
- To get supplies, you’ll need to sign up for the research program. This is anonymous—you do not need to give your name.
- During sign-up, you create a login ID using your year of birth, a colour, and an animal (for example: 1990-Blue-Lion).
- You’ll be asked to answer a short, optional survey to help the research team understand who is using the program. All answers are private and confidential.
- After signing in, you select the supplies you need, and the machine will dispense them. Some items can be accessed daily, others weekly, to make sure there are enough for everyone.
Do I have to answer survey questions?
No. All survey questions are optional. You can still use Our Healthbox if you choose not to answer.
What about naloxone in an emergency?
If you need naloxone right away to respond to an overdose, you can get it from the machine without registering or signing in. Supplies will be restocked regularly.
Below are sites where residents can access harm reduction supplies and services.
Hours and availability may change without notice; call ahead to confirm.
Safer drug use supplies & naloxone
Updated April 2026
| Who can access these supplies? | What's available? | Where can they be picked up? | When can they be picked up? | Other notes: | |
| SOAR – Elgin | Anyone | Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; nasal naloxone; sharps containers; wound care kits; condoms. Large sharps disposal box outside building. | 133 Elgin St. Call 519-759-8830 if you have questions. | Mon-Wed 8:30am- 7pm Thurs-Fri 8:30am- 4:30pm | No limits on quantity of supplies Medetomidine, xylazine and fentanyl test strips also available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. |
| SOAR – Fairview | Anyone | Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; nasal naloxone; sharps containers; wound care kits; condoms. Large sharps disposal box outside building. | 225 Fairview Dr. Call 519-754-0253 if you have questions. | Mon-Thurs 8:30-6:00 Friday 8:30-4:30 | supplies Medetomidine, xylazine and fentanyl test strips also available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. |
| SOAR – Murray | Anyone | Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; nasal naloxone; sharps containers; wound care kits; condoms. | 73 Murray Street Call (519) 759-1290 if you have questions | Seven days per week, 8am-12am | Ask staff if you have any questions. |
| Rosewood House | Anyone (residents and non residents) | Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; nasal naloxone; condoms | 42 Nelson St. Call 519-750-1547 if you have questions. | Every day 7am 11pm | No limits on quantity of supplies unless they are running low |
| Grand River Community Health Centre | Anyone | Nasal & injectable naloxone kits; nasal naloxone refills; supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; sharps bins, condoms, sharps disposal; wound care supplies. Large sharps disposal box outside 347 Colborne St next door. | 363 Colborne St. Call 226-387-9054 if you have questions. | Mon-Fri 9:00am-3:30pm | No limits on quantity of supplies |
| Grand Erie Public Health – Brantford Office (formerly the Brant County Health Unit) | Anyone | Nasal & injectable naloxone; supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; condoms. Large sharps disposal box located outside the front entrance. | 194 Terrace Hill Street. Call 519-753-4937 ext. 460 or email HREP@geph.ca if you have questions. | Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 | When you enter the building, ask the receptionist in the waiting area about getting supplies. In general, no limits on the number of supplies, although there may at times be limits if stock is low. Clients may be offered a consultation with a clinical staff person who can provide additional harm reduction information, referrals and/or supplies to supplement standard kits. Consultation is not required to access supplies. |
| Grand River Clinic | Anyone | Supplies for injection, smoking and snorting; nasal and injectable naloxone; sharps containers; safe sex supplies. | 423 Colborne St. E. Call 519-756-1741 or email grandriverclinic@outlook.com with questions. | Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm Sat 8am-3pm Sun 9am-1pm | Accepts used sharps for disposal. |
| The Salvation Army Booth Centre | You DO NOT need to be a resident to access naloxone. **Harm reduction supplies are ONLY available to booked in clients. | Nasal naloxone. Large sharps disposal box outside building. Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting available for booked in clients ONLY. | For naloxone: 187 Dalhousie St. Buzz the main door and ask for a kit. For HR supplies (booked in clients ONLY): Ask a staff person for access. Call 1-519-753-4193 ext. 111 with questions. | 24/7, although you may need to wait if it is a busy time for staff. | |
| Brantford General Hospital | **Only those registered or admitted at the hospital can access supplies. | Nasal naloxone; supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; sharps bins; wound care kits; condoms. | 200 Terrace Hill St. | Any time (24/7) for registered/admitted patients. | If you need harm reduction supplies, ask hospital staff on your unit or in the emergency department. No limits on quantity of supplies. |
| The Van (Positive Health Network, formerly the AIDS Network) | Anyone | Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; naloxone (both nasal and injectable); sharps containers; safer sex supplies; used sharps disposal | Mobile. Drop-off can be arranged in Brant County, Brantford, Six Nations, Haldimand and Norfolk. Call or text 289-440-4912 to schedule a delivery in Brantford or Brant. Call or text 289-440-4903 for Haldimand, Norfolk and Six Nations. | Brant/Brantford Mon, Tues, Fri 11am 3pm Haldimand/Norfolk Weds & Thurs 11am-3pm Six Nations Mon-Fri 11am-3pm | Medetomidine, xylazine and fentanyl test strips also available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. No limits on quantity of supplies, subject to adequate inventory. |
Below are sites where residents can access harm reduction supplies and services.
Hours and availability may change without notice; call ahead to confirm.
Safer drug use supplies & naloxone
Updated April 2026
| Who can access these supplies? | What's available? | Where can they be picked up? | When can they be picked up? | Other notes: | |
| The Van (Positive Health Network, formerly the AIDS Network) | Anyone | Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; naloxone (both nasal and injectable); sharps containers; safer sex supplies; used sharps disposal | Mobile. Drop-off can be arranged in Brant County, Brantford, Six Nations, Haldimand and Norfolk. Call or text 289-440-4912 to schedule a delivery in Brantford or Brant. Call or text 289-440-4903 for Haldimand, Norfolk and Six Nations. | Brant/Brantford Mon, Tues, Fri 11am 3pm Haldimand/Norfolk Weds & Thurs 11am-3pm Six Nations Mon-Fri 11am-3pm | Van programs can be contacted by phone call or text message to arrange a meeting time and location on the days they operate. Medetomidine, xylazine and fentanyl test strips also available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. No limits on quantity of supplies, subject to adequate inventory. |
Below are sites where residents can access harm reduction supplies and services.
Hours and availability may change without notice; call ahead to confirm.
Safer drug use supplies & naloxone
Updated May 2026
| Who can access these supplies? | What's available? | Where can they be picked up? | When can they be picked up? | Other notes: | |
| Grand Erie Public Health – Simcoe | Anyone | Nasal & injectable naloxone; supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; condoms. Large sharps disposal box located outside the front entrance. | 185 Robinson St., Simcoe, ON | Monday to Friday, 8:30-4:30 p.m. Call 519-900-9600 Ext. 1086 | When you enter the building, ask the receptionist in the waiting area about getting supplies. In general, no limits on the number of supplies, although there may at times be limits if stock is low. Clients may be offered a consultation with a clinical staff person who can provide additional harm reduction information, referrals and/or supplies to supplement standard kits. Consultation is not required to access supplies. |
| GEPH “The DROP” Dignity Resources Outreach Promotion | Anyone | Harm Reduction Equipment, Naloxone Kits Drug Testing Kits (Fentanyl, Xylazine, Medetomidine) *Subject to availability* Resource cards, referral support, snacks, water bottles, warming kits *Subject to availability* Safer Sex Supplies | 185 Robinson St., An Cam Room B35, Simcoe, ON Dedicated DROP Mobile: (548) 331-1744 | Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00AM-3PM | Fridays: Referral arrangement with Norfolk Community Paramedics to support DROP clients with wound care assessment and interventions |
| The Van (Positive Health Network, formerly the AIDS Network) | Anyone | Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; naloxone (both nasal and injectable); sharps containers; safer sex supplies; used sharps disposal | Mobile. Drop-off can be arranged in Brant County, Brantford, Six Nations, Haldimand and Norfolk. Call or text 289-440-4912 to schedule a delivery in Brantford or Brant. Call or text 289-440-4903 for Haldimand, Norfolk and Six Nations. | Brant/Brantford Mon, Tues, Fri 11am 3pm Haldimand/Norfolk Weds & Thurs 11am-3pm Six Nations Mon-Fri 11am-3pm | Van programs can be contacted by phone call or text message to arrange a meeting time and location on the days they operate. Medetomidine, xylazine and fentanyl test strips also available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. No limits on quantity of supplies, subject to adequate inventory. |
| Norfolk Family Health Team | Anyone | Harm reduction equipment Naloxone kits | 185 Robinson St., Suite 101, Simcoe, ON (519) 582-2323 | Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM Closed for lunch 12PM-1PM | Operated out of the International Agricultural Worker (IAW) Program Reception |
| Indwell Community Homes | Clients only | Harm reduction equipment Naloxone kits | Dogwood Suites, 41 Norfolk St. S., Simcoe, ON | N/A | |
| Haldimand-Norfolk Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) | Clients only | Harm reduction equipment Naloxone kits | Dogwood Suites, 1st Floor Unit C, 41 Norfolk St. S, Simcoe, ON N3Y 0H1 | N/A | |
| Water Street Clinic | Anyone | Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; naloxone (both nasal and injectable); sharps containers. | 25 Water St., Simcoe, ON | Mon, Wed and Fri 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tue 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sat 8 a.m.– 12 p.m. 519-426-1333 | Closed Thursday and Sunday |
Below are sites where residents can access harm reduction supplies and services.
Hours and availability may change without notice; call ahead to confirm.
Safer drug use supplies & naloxone
Updated May 2026
| Who can access these supplies? | What's available? | Where can they be picked up? | When can they be picked up? | Other notes: | |
| Grand Erie Public Health – Dunnville, Caledonia | Anyone | Nasal & injectable naloxone; supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; condoms. Large sharps disposal box located outside the front entrance. | Dunnville Office: 117 Forest Street East, Dunnville Caledonia Office: 100 Haddington Street, Caledonia | Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30 p.m. Call 519-900-9600 Ext. 1086 | When you enter the building, ask the receptionist in the waiting area about getting supplies. In general, no limits on the number of supplies, although there may at times be limits if stock is low. Clients may be offered a consultation with a clinical staff person who can provide additional harm reduction information, referrals and/or supplies to supplement standard kits. Consultation is not required to access supplies. |
| The Van (Positive Health Network, formerly the AIDS Network) | Anyone | Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; naloxone (both nasal and injectable); sharps containers; safer sex supplies; used sharps disposal | Mobile. Drop-off can be arranged in Brant County, Brantford, Six Nations, Haldimand and Norfolk. Call or text 289-440-4912 to schedule a delivery in Brantford or Brant. Call or text 289-440-4903 for Haldimand, Norfolk and Six Nations. | Brant/Brantford Mon, Tues, Fri 11am 3pm Haldimand/Norfolk Weds & Thurs 11am-3pm Six Nations Mon-Fri 11am-3pm | Medetomidine, xylazine and fentanyl test strips also available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. No limits on quantity of supplies, subject to adequate inventory. |
| The Caledonia Clinic | Anyone | Supplies for injection, smoking & snorting; naloxone (both nasal and injectable); sharps containers. | 53 Argyle St. North | Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Naloxone available through the connected pharmacy |
The Sharps Management Program provides options for disposing of sharps (needles, syringes, and other hazardous waste) and educates the community about safe disposal.
Sharps (Needles and other Hazardous Waste)
Sharps, including needles, syringes, mouthpieces, pipes, and lancets, can pierce or cut the skin. For various reasons, sharps are sometimes found in the community.
It’s important to approach the issue of sharps found in the community with empathy and understanding, recognizing that individuals may face barriers to accessing proper disposal methods, such as stigma.
How this program helps
- Provides accessible community locations for sharps disposal
- Reduces needle‑stick injuries and improperly disposed debris
For more information, please visit: Grand Erie Public Health | Safe Needle Disposal and Retrieval
Brantford-Brant Drugs Strategy Committee
The Brantford–Brant Community Drugs Strategy (BBCDS) is a multi‑stakeholder initiative, including Grand Erie Public Health, SOAR Community Services, the Positive Health Network Network, Brantford Police Services, Grand River Community Health Centre, , Brant Community Healthcare System, City of Brantford, County of Brant, Child and Family Services of the Grand Erie and Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services.
View the 2026 BBCDS Action Plan here.
Lighthouse Community Strategy
The Lighthouse Community Strategy is a coalition of over 20 community partners across Mississauga of the Credit First Nation, Haldimand and Norfolk County with the goal of reducing the harms associated with mental health and substance use concerns across the region.
View the Lighthouse Community Strategy Report here.
Planet Youth – Haldimand and Norfolk
Planet Youth is based on the Icelandic Prevention Model, a proven approach to reducing alcohol, tobacco and drug use among young people and improving their wellbeing.
Planet Youth empowers communities to work together to address the root causes of early substance use. The model’s whole-population approach aims to reduce the risk factors that increase the likelihood of early substance use, and most importantly, to strengthen the protective factors that can prevent it.