Manitoba Harm Reduction Network (MHRN) released their 2023-2024 yearly report with the focus being to create a safer, more inclusive Manitoba by challenging harmful systems and advocating for respect and safety for all.
“There are many positive outcomes which you can see in our annual reports and evaluation on our website at mhrn.ca,” said MHRN Executive Director Shohan Illsley. “We have engaged people who use substances and are impacted by colonial and structural harms, also known as peers. We have over 800 peers engaged in the province, most of who were not accessing any services before connecting with MHRN. This has increased in peers engaging with social and health care services, including STBBI testing and linkage to care through peer-led events and access to addiction services including RAAM and treatment.
“There has also been an increase in education through community-based outreach and education events in line with national and international activities such as Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week and others. We have over 300 service and health care providers engaged in local harm reduction networks where they identify and address local community needs regarding sexual health, STBBIS, and substance use.”