The Department of Health and Community Services is reminding the public of the resources available to those seeking mental health and addictions services, as well as the availability of harm reduction resources.

Free naloxone kits are publicly available to reverse the potentially fatal effects of an overdose involving opioids such as fentanyl. Residents are encouraged to call 811 or visit Naloxone Kit Distribution Sites for information on where to access free naloxone kits. The department encourages the public to follow harm reduction guidelines, such as not using alone, reducing the quantity used at one time and always keeping a naloxone kit on hand.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services distributed more than 400 naloxone kits in late July in the Eastern Urban Zone to bars in the vicinity of George Street in St. John’s, security staff, and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers. Two hundred kits arrived this week, with another 800 on route to be distributed in the near future.

Other resources include:

• A mental health and addictions crisis line is available by calling 811;
• Opioid Dependence Treatment Hubs, which can be reached by calling 1-844-752-3588, provide same or next day access to opioid agonist therapy. These hubs are available throughout the province, including:
  • St. John’s:
  • Gander;
  • Grand Falls-Windsor;
  • Corner Brook; and
  • Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• The Recovery Centre in St. John’s is available for people aged 16 and over. Call toll-free 1-877-752-4980.

More information on mental health and additions resources is available by visiting the department’s Mental Health and Addictions website.

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