Mapping Needles, Reducing Harm is the first research project arising from a community-academic partnership between AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan, Inc. (APSS) and the Eaton Lab, based at the Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois Chicago.

This project utilized a real-time geographic information system (GIS) to map the community needles data collected through www.ReportNeedles.ca. We generated geo maps of Regina hotspots where community needle prevalence in public spaces is the highest and deployed and evaluated harm reduction interventions of Naloxone training and support groups. Between August 2023 and August 2024, 315 reports on www.ReportNeedles.ca led to the safe disposal of 2,836 needles. Naloxone trainings were found to provide accurate, accessible information on reversing opioid overdoses. Arts-based, low-barrier support groups for people who use drugs, where sobriety was neither mandated nor encouraged, were well-liked by participants who found the space safe to discuss substance use and harm reduction. Download the full report to learn more.

Mapping Needles, Reducing Harm:

The map and pamphlet below are part of the 3 infections, 1 Fight Study funded by CIHR and SHRF.

You can download and print them through the provided links.