Chatham-Kent council reviews harm reduction services at transitional cabins

Chatham councillor asks for a review of giving harm reduction kits to homeless living in the tiny cabins.

Chatham-Kent council is taking a closer look at how harm-reduction services are being delivered to those living in the city’s transitional cabins.

North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville is asking for a review of services offered at Pathways on Park and how those services are affecting the surrounding neighbourhood.

Harm reduction programs and supplies include clean needle distribution, needle drop-off locations, and education around safe substance use according to the local public health unit.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai said those services play a key role in helping people struggling with addiction.

Council voted 15 to 1 to refer the matter to the Board of Health.

“Framing the discussion around community safety is really important. I think everyone wants the same thing in the community. They want people to be safe. They want communities to be safe. And when we talk about harm reduction, it is about community safety,” said Brock McGregor, Chatham-Kent councillor and Board of Health chair.