Health centre releases impact report after consumption site closure

It’s been a difficult year for Sanguen Health Center.

The lead-up to and eventual closing of the consumption and treatment services (CTS) site it operated on Duke Street in downtown Kitchener, has been particularly heartbreaking. It was the only CTS site operating in Waterloo Region and staff are certain the closure will lead to clients deaths.

Despite the turmoil, Sanguen remains committed to providing health care and support to individuals in Waterloo Region dealing with homelessness and addictions.

It was with that commitment in mind the 2024 Community Impact Report was created.

Julie Kalbfleisch, Director, Fundraising and Communication, Sanguen Health Center, was as principle author of the report. She told 570 NewsRadio that it’s more than just a rehashing of what has been accomplished, it’s a detailed description of Sanguen operations, programs, history and its vision for the future.

But, given the difficulties this year, Kalbfleisch said it serves another purpose.

“I also wanted to create it for our staff so that they could see, in this document, the beautiful work that they do and how they are contributing and helping folks.”

Some of those details include 26,276 of interventions through the centre’s community health van, via social media or in other ways. Nearly 800 people were treated through the community health van and 15,050 visits were counted to the safe injection site.

There were 79 overdoses managed at the consumption site, none of which resulted in a death.

Kalbfleisch added that this report will be a useful tool for anyone looking to better understand what Sanguen does.

“What we do at the root of things, is provide health care. That is through a harm reduction lens but the ultimate goal is to help contribute to a healthier community for everyone.”