We are a harm reduction and STI clinic that provides medical and emotional care, as well as connection and co-ordination for HIV and Hep C treatment :)
Central Vancouver Island Harm Reduction Services (CVIHRS)
Harris House Health Clinic & Mobile Health Outreach
Free and CONFIDENTIAL healthcare, emotional support, and a safe space to “just be”
Our services are based on a harm reduction philosophy which is a strategy to meet people where they are at and supporting choices to reduce risks of long-term health related challenges.
We provide harm reduction supplies to help reduce the spread of HIV and Hep C in our community. A harm reduction approach is also an opportunity to provide education and encourage clients who are marginalized and stigmatized to make connections with other community agencies.
CVIHRS services started over 25 years ago with a mobile team providing harm reduction supplies to people who use substances in the Nanaimo area. Over the years operations have grown to include a wide range of supports and services.
Our approach is client-centered, non-judgmental, caring, and respectful of a person’s unique story and background. Our goal is to help our clients recognize their strengths and build on these strengths to make healthier life choices.
We aim to promote, encourage and assist in motivation and skill building so individuals can move forward with goal planning and increase their capacity for making healthier life-style choices.
Our clinic, Harris House, has an open-door policy so people are able to develop an honest and trusting relationship with staff. At many points, when the person is willing to seek further help, the staff member can support the individual while helping them connect to other community programs.
Who Are We?
A Registered Nurse is available for testing, treatment, education and support for sexually transmitted infections and blood borne illnesses such as Hep C and HIV.
A Health Outreach Worker with a wide variety of knowledge to provide community outreach, support and referral.
The L2T Care Coordinator is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with experience supporting people with addiction and mental health challenges, individuals who have been to jail and people who are living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C.
What Do We Provide?
Nursing Care:
• STI Testing and Treatment, HIV Point of Care testing and Hepatitis A, B and C testing
• Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B
• Education and information on sexually transmitted infections and blood borne illnesses
• Naloxone for overdose prevention and overdose education
• Assistance with connecting to other support services
• Nurse practitioner available three times a month (Tuesdays) from 1:30pm-4:00pm for those who do not have a doctor
Harm Reduction:
• Needle exchange and harm reduction supplies (alcohol swabs, ascorbic acid, glass stems, screens and push-sticks, plastic mouthpieces, and crystal meth glass stems; cost is $1.00 and exact change is required)
• Information and education to keep you and others safe
• Safer sex supplies (condoms & lubricant)
• Assistance with connecting to other support services (housing, income assistance)
L2T (Linked to Treatment)
• L2T Program provides connection and supports (mental health and addiction counselling, transportation, housing support) for people who are newly diagnosed or who have been diagnosed in the past with HIV and/or Hepatitis C to medical care. The L2T Care also provides health information to those who are currently incarcerated.
Mobile Outreach Team
• Provides CONFIDENTIAL harm reduction and safer sex supplies, HIV POC testing, naloxone training/naloxone kits and harm reduction education in central Vancouver Island
• Mobile Health Outreach Hours:
Lake Cowichan/Cowichan: Tuesdays 12-8pm
Parksville: Thursdays 12-8pm
Nanaimo/Cedar/Yellowpoint/Ladysmith: Friday 1:00-10:00 Saturdays 6:00-10:00
Leave a message on our confidential voicemail for a call back or call the day and time we are in your area to arrange services
TOLL FREE: 1.844.484.4239 or TEXT: 250-510-3637
Funding for our services are provided through Island Health.
(phone): 250.753.6759
ext. 202 for nursing
ext. 203 for L2T program or cell 250-802-8006
ext. 204 for program manager
ext. 205 for health outreach worker
(fax): 250.753.6717
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