WINS program to expand through two-year pilot project

A two year pilot project is being launched by the Region of Waterloo Public Health, Sanguen Health Centre and area municipalities, to help expand the Working to Improve Neighbourhood Safety (WINS) program.

WINS is a peer-based needle recovery project that aims to reduce needle and harm reduction litter while providing education about safe disposal and making connections within the community.

There was an initial one-year pilot of the program that took place in the City of Cambridge and was finished in 2019.

As a result of the program, they reduced needle litter in the downtown core.

WINS is now looking to expand to all three major urban areas of Waterloo Region.

“The overwhelming success of the pilot program in Cambridge has resulted in the expansion of this service to Kitchener and Waterloo,” said Simone Morrison, Sanguen's Manager of Outreach, Education and Prevention in a release. “This has allowed us to provide harm reduction and support to those in our community who use drugs while assisting in keeping our public spaces safe for all. We are so pleased to launch the new team, who will minimize risk and foster understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment within our community.”

The goals of the project are to:

–    Proactively search for and dispose of harm reduction supplies
–    Provide education about safe disposal
–    Facilitate connections to create positive outcomes

“This is a new and effective way of supporting the more vulnerable members of our community, all while reducing sharps and drug debris on our streets” said Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “It's an excellent example of local partnership between our cities, Region of Waterloo Public Health, and Sanguen Health Centre. We are proud to support the expansion of this program as we look for new ways to better serve the evolving needs of our communities.”

“I'm happy that Waterloo is now part of this expanded pilot,” added Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky. “Everyone in the community benefits from the increased education, harm reduction, and support provided by the peer workers.”

“The success of the program speaks for itself,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “I know the peer workers, with their lived experiences and passion for making a difference, will continue their good work in making a positive impact in all three cities within our region.”