Safeworks

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, Tuesday, Aug. 31, we are spotlighting a harm reduction program in Calgary, Safeworks, that aims to minimize harm and improve health outcomes for people who use drugs and other populations disproportionally affected by HIV and hepatitis C.

Safeworks has three programs for clients over the age of 16 as well as a community-based naloxone nurse (403.863.9769, [email protected]) who supports businesses and community members with Community Based Naloxone (CBN) training. Clients can self-refer to the programs.

“I worked with Safeworks as an RN for about two years, starting in their outreach program and then moving to the supervised consumption site,” says Deborah Thorne, former Registered Nurse with the CWC PCN. “Safeworks is an amazing program run and staffed by dedicated staff who truly believe in harm reduction and trauma-informed care.”

Programs:

Safeworks Outreach: Registered nurses, social workers, and outreach workers who provide mobile sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection testing and treatment, immunizations, harm reduction supply distribution, education, and CBN kits for youth and adults.

• Location: Mobile
• Phone: 403.801.4453 (8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday); 403.850.3755 (8 p.m. – midnight, daily)
• Email: [email protected]

Supervised Consumption Service: Provides a safe, hygienic space where clients can consume pre-obtained illicit substances while monitored by healthcare professionals. The program offers client support, connection to community resources and referrals, peer support, and other professional consults.

• Location: 1213 Fourth St. S.W., Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre (SMCHC) main floor, separate entrance on 13th Avenue
• Phone: 403.955.3380
• Email: [email protected]

Safeworks Connect: Supports clients, community, and business members in the Beltline area, focusing on clients who access Supervised Consumption Service. The program team provides resources and referrals, supports community and needle debris cleanup, client support, harm reduction supply distribution, education, and CBN kit distribution.

Location: 1213 Fourth St. S.W., SMCHC main floor next to protective services
Phone: 403.369.0578 (24/7)
Email: [email protected]