At Northreach Society, we are committed to improving community health through essential services that respect the dignity and needs of all individuals. Our Supervised Consumption Services (SCS) in Grande Prairie provides a safe, clean, and supportive environment for consuming pre-obtained substances under professional supervision.
Impact and Need
From March 2019 to July 2022, our services have significantly impacted the community.
Supervised consumption services are crucial for preventing overdose deaths and providing a gateway to additional health services. In Grande Prairie, where substance use rates are particularly high, these services are not just beneficial; they are necessary.
28,847 visits by 446 individuals
2,355 referrals to external services, including detox and treatment
422 overdoses successfully managed with no fatalities
400 EMS calls prevented, reducing strain on local emergency services
Location: Wapiti House, Grande Prairie
Hours of Operation: 10 AM – 10 PM, 7 Days a Week
Take a quick video tour of our facilities provided by HIV Community Link and Chris Tomicic at Akira Creative. Click on the photo to start!
What We Offer
Important: Selling, buying, sharing, or trading substances is prohibited onsite.
Our licensed facility operates with a Health Canada exemption and offers:
Medically Supervised Consumption Area
Includes two injection booths, ensuring privacy and safety.
Sterile Harm Reduction Supplies
Access to new usage equipment and educational resources.
Medical Support
Onsite medical staff trained in harm reduction and overdose response.
Post-Consumption Monitoring
A space where staff monitor individuals for adverse reactions and provide immediate assistance.
Community Referrals
Connections to health and social services, including detox and opioid dependency programs.
Why Supervised Consumption Services?
Save Lives
Immediate response to overdoses can mean the difference between life and death.
Reduce Health Care Costs
By decreasing the reuse of needles, we reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C, as well as skin infections and other health complications.
Decrease Public Drug Use and Litter
Providing a safe space for consumption reduces public drug use and improperly discarded paraphernalia.
Northreach's Role in Harm Reduction
As Grande Prairie’s leading harm reduction agency, Northreach Society focuses on preventing sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) and increasing our community’s overall health and well-being. Our harm reduction strategy is fundamental, with Supervised Consumption Services as a cornerstone of our approach.
More Information and Community Feedback
We value the support and feedback from our community. If you have thoughts or feedback about our SCS Program, please complete the form below or view our [Good Neighbour Commitment].
For more information about Supervised Consumption Services and to understand their benefits further, please visit the [Alberta Health Services website] or explore our online resources.
Together, we can create a safer, healthier environment for everyone in Grande Prairie. Join us in this critical work—your support, participation, and feedback are vital to our success and the health of our community.
Supervised Consumption Services At Northreach
The Northreach SCS is licensed by the Alberta government and operates with an exemption granted by Health Canada.