Opioid Harm Reduction 

Get involved today!

Get involved today!

The opioid crisis is devastating families and communities across Canada. Tragically, the crisis has worsened since the onset of COVID-19, with 7,560 deaths recorded in 2021. Opioid poisoning can happen any time—to a friend, a colleague, or a loved one. Knowing how to respond could save a life.

Canadian Red Cross is committed to helping communities reduce opioid-related deaths by increasing Canadians’ access to response training and naloxone – a life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the life-threatening effects of opioid poisoning. We are focused on reaching people most at risk for opioid poisoning in under-served communities and helping Canadians to better understand the risks, stigmas, and misconceptions of opioid poisoning. 

Our goal is that no one in Canada will experience an opioid poisoning without someone being there who has a naloxone kit and knows how to use it.

Our Opioid Harm Reduction (OHR) work is guided by an advisory council of subject matter experts including people with lived and living experience of substance use and their families and friends (LLEAFF), peers, advocates, and community members.
 

How you can help

Increase your skills and knowledge about opioid poisoning emergencies by taking our free, online courses. Join us in supporting education, awareness, and training initiatives across Canada.

Ontario Workplace Naloxone Programclick here for information about how to register Ontario-based workplaces and employees to participate in the Workplace Naloxone Program to meet provincial requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Quebec residents – click here to register for the Becoming an Opioid Harm Reduction Champion Course for Quebec Learners. Some programming under our Opioid Harm Reduction project is not offered in Quebec as similar programming is already in place. Residents of Quebec will not be able to access naloxone through this project.
Two people going over instructions

Becoming an Opioid Harm Reduction Champion

  • Be a voice for education, action, and empathy by sharing graphics, posters, and resources through social media and other platforms. Access our resources to help you get started!
  • Help raise awareness and reduce stigma by promoting simple actions we can all take to protect ourselves and others from opioid poisoning.
  • Be part of a movement to change how we view opioid poisoning in our communities.
Who is this course for?
Anyone 13 years of age and older who is interested in reducing stigma around opioid use, learning more about the opioid crisis in Canada, and discovering ways that they can help*.

Cost: Free
Duration: 30 minutes, online

* Residents of Quebec – see note above under How you can help > Quebec residents and click on the link to register for the Becoming an Opioid Champion Course for Quebec Learners.

Learn More

This initiative was funded by a contribution from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.