COVID-19 and Harm Reduction in Manitoba
MHRN is working with a number of community organizations to collect harm reduction information and resources related to COVID-19 for people in Manitoba who:
use drugs
are experiencing homelessness/houselessness/overcrowded living situations
are Indigenous
provide services to these groups
This page will collect Manitoba-specific resources and information. If you have a resource you’d like to share please submit it by email to covid19@mhrn.ca. Please include the date it was released, who created it, and if we can upload it or just link to it here.
Harm Reduction and COVID Resources and Information
We can’t police our way out of the pandemic: alternatives to calling the police
> click to download the complete PDF
Project Safe Audience Harm Reduction COVID-19 Edition Webinar
Training on safer partying and substance use, overdose prevention, and harm reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presentation begins around 19:00.
Information is current as of March 25, 2020 & may have changed.
Presented by Project Safe Audience, Central Neighbourhoods Winnipeg, Rainbow Resource Centre
> Watch the webinar on Facebook
COVID-19 and Ceremonial/Spiritual Practices
Participating in ceremonies and spiritual practices can be an important part of first Nations individual family and community health. During this COVID-19 pandemic people might be wondering how to continue their ceremonial or spiritual practices in ways that also follow public health measures coming from federal and provincial public health offices.
These guidelines were developed through consultation with public health professionals, first Nations Health professionals, and Knowledge Keepers / Traditional Healers.
Updated: March 31, 2020 - gathering size adjusted
> click to download the complete PDF
Outreach Guidelines During COVID-19
Do not do outreach if you have symptoms or are a COVID-19 contact
Keep chats to under 10 minutes
Whenever possible don’t go into peoples homes
If you have to, keep your hands in pockets, wear and change gloves/mask after each visit
Wash hands before and after every interaction or use hand sanitizer
Keep social distance - 2 meters/6.5 feet
Load supplies outside, people can bring them in
Wipe down supplies before handing them out
Shower when you get home - Wash any clothes you wore
Offer more supplies to limit the number of interactions, including naloxone
Share information on new developments and guidelines, on basic health and safety info (hand washing, resources, symptoms, testing etc)
Screening tool: sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19
gov.mb.ca
Healthlinks: (204) 788-8200 / 1-888-315-9257.
Brought to you by: Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, Ka Ni Kanichihk, Substance Consulting, AYO! Aboriginal Youth Opportunities, Sunshine House
Updated: March 26, 2020
> click to download a Printable PDF
> click to download a PNG for Web
COVID-19 - How to Access Food - Letter from Winnipeg Harvest
“We are striving to ensure all Manitobans who need it have access to emergency, temporary food support. To stretch our resources and serve an anticipated larger number of clients, we are preparing large food hampers to be delivered through our network of community food banks and partner organizations.”
This letter contains instructions on how to access a hamper.
Updated: March 20, 2020
> click to read the full letter
COVID-19 Harm Reduction Tips for People Who Use Drugs - Infographic
Have What You Need:
Supplies for substance use (eg needles, waters, pipes etc)
Food and basic resources
Your drug of choice
Prescription medications (ask for carries of methadone)
Over the counter medications that help with withdrawal (eg pepto bismol, ibprofen, immodium)
Substitution substances (eg Cannabis)
* Please note: buy what you need and avoid panic buying
* Keep in mind that having a larger supply of drugs can increase risk of criminalization and theft and take precautions
Practice Safer Drug Use:
Wash your hands before use
Prepare your own drugs
Plan and prepare for overdose (and have naloxone)
Don't share supplies (even bongs and pipes)
Go slow if you have drugs from a new source
Isolation & Social Distancing:
Pick a few friends and family and try to only see them/have them over to your place
Don't visit anyone if you are sick, or have anyone over who is sick
Have everyone wash their hands when they come over, and before and after drug use
Don't shake hands, give each other some space
Feeling Sick?
If you get flu-like symptoms, call Health Links at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free elsewhere in the province.
Developed by: Manitoba Harm Reduction Network
Updated: March 16, 2020
