Addictions counsellor Angie Sheppard works out of a van providing clean needles and naloxone kits as part of harm reduction services in 2022. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Harm reduction changes

FSIN expresses concerns about impact of changes to harm reduction services

Jan 26, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A recent decision by the provincial government to change how harm reduction services are done in Saskatchewan is worrying the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).

In a statement posted online, FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron pointed out the Crown has a fiduciary responsibility to First Nations.

“It’s frustrating that despite evidence that prevention programs are effective, the Province of Saskatchewan is following the recommendations of a private company from outside of the province rather than local First Nations experts in the area of addiction,” he said.

Multiple professions have said the decision will cost lives and increases in blood-borne illnesses, such as HIV.

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Of all the HIV infected people in Saskatchewan, 80 per cent are Indigenous, the statement pointed out.

“This is unacceptable and needs to change. You are responsible for listening to and respecting First Nation’s voices and working with us to find culturally appropriate and effective solutions,” he said.

The release also pointed out the record number of overdoses that happened n Saskatchewan in 2023, which total 454 suspected and confirmed deaths.

About a week ago, the province said it would shift its focus away from providing items like pipes for smoking meth or cocaine and other drugs and said the solution was to add more treatment beds.

“Providing taxpayer-funded pipes for smoking illicit drugs and instructions for how to use them sends the wrong message to people who we want to help,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said. “Instead, the message coming from the health care system should be that there is hope for recovery, and there is help available through treatment.”

Test strips for fentanyl and benzodiazepine contamination will still be available as will naloxone kits.

Needle exchanges will be required to get back a used needles in order to hand out a new one in exchange.

READ MORE: The sheer voluume of cocaine and meth use in Prince Albert is shown in wastewater tests.

A new harm reduction van was introduced in Prince Albert in late 2022. It’s purpose was to provide needle exchange services, naloxone kits and some health services.

The health minister said then that they realized people would continue to use drugs so the goal of the van was tor reduce the spread of illnesses such as HIV.

As part of the changes in 2024, the province will provide Community Wellness Buses that are to provide primary health care, help with accessing services and supports and refer clients to other services they might need.

In 2022, Health Minister Everitt Hindley was in Prince Albert to announce a new harm reduction van to help dispense needles and naloxone kits. Now, wellness buses will provide primary health care and help clients access other supports. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com