New Mobile Van to Deliver Harm Reduction Services in Brandon

Residents of Brandon, Manitoba, will soon have access to essential harm reduction services through a new mobile outreach van set to launch in January 2024. The initiative, spearheaded by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), aims to deliver life-saving support directly to individuals affected by substance use and mental health challenges in the city, which has a population of approximately 54,000.

The mobile outreach service builds on the SCO’s experience operating a crisis team across 32 First Nations, as noted by Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “The difference in Brandon is that those services will now be offered in an urban centre,” he explained. The project comes at a critical time, as rising overdose rates in Manitoba have prompted urgent action from advocates and officials alike.

Addressing Overdose Crisis in Urban Areas

Funded with $435,540 from Health Canada, the pilot project will target areas where individuals often struggle to access traditional support services. Many people affected by substance use find it difficult to visit fixed locations, particularly those living in encampments or in more remote parts of the city. Advocates stress the importance of outreach, especially as the winter months approach.

Kat Salmon, a member of the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, expressed hope that the new van will connect with those who are currently disconnected from available resources. “I’ve never been able to finish grieving on one person before … it’s another one,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for timely responses during overdose incidents. “Speed is critical when someone is overdosing,” she added, emphasizing the van’s potential to improve survival rates.

Building Trust and Community Engagement

The outreach van will not only deliver supplies but also foster relationships within the community. Talix Cross, another advocate for harm reduction, noted that building trust takes time but is essential for successful outreach. “If they know someone and love someone that’s been hurt by this, they would think about the one person … that had a problem that destroyed their lives,” Cross stated.

The initiative will also address broader issues beyond substance use, providing support for individuals facing homelessness and food insecurity. Shannon Saltarelli, the City of Brandon’s community housing and wellness co-ordinator, emphasized the importance of a compassionate approach in serving vulnerable populations. “There’s just this element of humanity that needs to be addressed when people are in vulnerable states,” she said.

According to Solange Machado, senior network co-ordinator with the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, the van’s ability to provide low-barrier access will significantly enhance the level of support available to individuals in need. “Being able to have a van that can meet people where they’re at … will definitely open up access,” she said, highlighting the critical nature of the service.

The outreach pilot project is set to run until October 2024, with hopes that its success will secure additional funding for continued operations. As the SCO prepares to deploy a team to operate the van, community leaders and advocates remain optimistic that this service will bring much-needed support to those struggling with addiction and mental health issues in Brandon.

The initiative underscores a collective commitment to addressing the overdose crisis and ensuring that effective harm reduction measures are accessible to all members of the community. “We need everybody on board,” Daniels concluded. “We just got to continue to strengthen each other and make the community a good place to live.”