Starting today, the Main Library at 100 Norfolk Street has nasal spray naloxone kits available for pickup at the basement level Info B Desk. Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

Working with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health to become a registered distributor, staff at the Main Library will have kits available to individuals at risk of opioid overdose and their family and friends. Staff can provide optional training on how to use the nasal spray and patrons are not required to provide anything to receive a kit.

“Harm reduction supports must be a collaborative community effort and the Library recognizes the role we play in understanding the complexity of the opioid crisis in Guelph,” says Michelle Campbell, Deputy CEO at the Guelph Public Library (GPL). “With uncertainty around Guelph’s Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site, providing additional supports like Naloxone kits will help prevent overdoses at a critical point for our community.”

“The opioid crisis continues to have devastating consequences in our community,” says Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, Associate Medical Officer of Health for WDG Public Health. “These types of partnerships are an important way we can use every tool available to us to make our community safer and healthier.”

Additional harm reduction supports at the Library

Throughout March and April, GPL is working to expand harm reduction supports and training.

In March, the Library partnered with Welcoming Streets to provide naloxone and de-escalation training to staff so they can respond to potential overdoses or deescalate situations in the Library as they arise. The Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy (WGDS) has also provided presentations to staff on what to expect if the CTS transitions to a HART Hub and where to access health alerts about Guelph’s drug supply.

In partnership with WDG Public Health and the City of Guelph, installation of an outdoor community sharps drop box at the Main Library parking lot in April will help complement drop boxes already available inside the Library washrooms. Having a drop box outside offers a safe way to throw out sharps regardless of whether the Library is open.

Library continues to use BRAVE sensors in the Main Library washrooms, an overdose prevention tool used to detect if a person has been in a stall longer than 15 minutes or if the sensor detects stillness for more than two minutes, alerting Library staff. The sensors give staff peace of mind, dignity to patrons using the washroom, and provide quick action in the event of a medical emergency.

Resources

• Learn about Naloxone
• Learn the facts about Harm Reduction
• Find an outdoor community sharps dropbox
• Report a needle or drug paraphernalia on public property

Media Contacts

Michelle Campbell, Deputy CEO
Guelph Public Library
548-855-0408
mcampbell@guelphpl.ca

Danny Williamson
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376
danny.williamson@wdgpublichealth.ca