Simcoe County, and the city of Barrie in particular, has been hit hard by the opioid overdose crisis. The community faces ongoing challenges with a toxic drug supply and the need for accessible, non-judgmental health services. If you are a resident of Barrie or the surrounding Simcoe-Muskoka region looking for help, please know that life-saving support is available right here in your community.
Arrow Medical is proud to offer comprehensive Barrie harm reduction services at our two locations. This guide explains what services are available and how you can access them today.
Understanding the Need in Our Community
The statistics from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit paint a clear picture: our region is experiencing a public health emergency. The unpredictable, fentanyl-contaminated street drug supply means that anyone who uses drugs is at high risk of overdose. Harm reduction services are not an abstract concept; they are a necessary, immediate response to keep our friends, family, and neighbours alive.
Arrow Medical’s Harm Reduction Services in Barrie
Harm reduction means meeting people where they are and providing practical tools to reduce the negative consequences of drug use. At our Barrie clinics, we do this by providing immediate access to evidence-based medical care.
1. Walk-In Methadone and Suboxone Clinics
The foundation of our service is Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT).
- What We Offer: We have two methadone clinics in Barrie, providing methadone, Kadian, and Suboxone. These medications stop withdrawal and cravings, providing stability and drastically reducing overdose risk.
- How to Access: No appointment is needed. You can walk into either of our locations (Allandale or Dunlop Street) during business hours and be seen by a doctor the same day. This immediate access is critical.
2. Sublocade (Monthly Injection)
For those who are stable on Suboxone, we offer Sublocade injections. This monthly treatment is highly convenient and helps people get on with their lives without the need for daily medication.
3. Safe Opioid Supply Program
Arrow Medical is one of the few providers in the region to offer a safe opioid supply program. For patients at extreme risk of overdose who haven’t succeeded with other treatments, this program provides a prescription for pharmaceutical-grade opioids to separate them from the deadly street supply.
4. Integrated Health Services
We also offer integrated testing and treatment for infectious diseases like Hepatitis C, which can be addressed at the same time as your addiction care.
Community Partnerships and a Judgment-Free Zone
Recovery is about more than just medicine. We work closely with other organizations in Barrie to provide wraparound support. We regularly receive patients from, and coordinate care with, organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the Busby Centre, the Salvation Army, and the Elizabeth Fry Society.
Most importantly, our clinics are a safe space. Whether you are ready to stop using drugs completely or you just want to be safer, you will be met with respect, dignity, and compassion by our team of medical experts.
If you are looking for Barrie harm reduction services for yourself or a loved one, please don’t wait. Visit one of our Arrow Medical clinics today. Your health and safety are our priority.