Needle Exchange Program (Gear Works)

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) provides new, sterile equipment to promote safer injection and inhalation of drugs. Nurses are available to speak with clients in an open, non-judgmental way.

Needle exchange programs help prevent transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other blood-borne infections and diseases. A harm reduction strategy is proven across the world to be effective in reducing the spread of disease and reducing the number of needles discarded in the community.

Supplies

The following supplies are available through the Needle Exchange Program free of charge:

  • needles and syringes
  • cookers, filters, meth pipes and crack kits
  • alcohol swabs and tourniquets
  • vitamin C and sterile water
  • sharps containers
  • naloxone

Huron Perth Public Health offers sexual health clinics where you can access sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBII) testing and treatment.


Just drop in to one of the needle exchange locations to pick up safe drug supplies. You do not need an appointment.

Needle exchange locations in Perth County
Location Address Date and time

Huron Perth Public Health, Festival Square

10 Downie St., Stratford, 2nd floor

Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (sometimes closed between 12 and 1 p.m. depending on staff availability.)

Huron Perth Public Health, Stratford

653 West Gore St., Stratford

Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Naloxone kits not available at this location)

The Local Community Food Centre, Stratford

612 Erie St., Stratford

Ask at the Peer Advocacy office:

  • Monday, 3 to 6 p.m.
  • Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

West End Pharmacy, Stratford

426 Huron St., Stratford

Ask at the pharmacy counter:

  • Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday, 9 to 10 a.m.

Huron Perth Public Health, Listowel

161 Inkerman St. W., Listowel

Text or call 519-635-2504 to order supplies

  • Fridays 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

I.D.A. Listowel Care Pharmacy

975 Wallace Ave. North, Listowel

Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

It Takes a Village, Listowel

177 Main St. West, Listowel

1st and 3rd Wednesday each month

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pharmasave, Listowel

130 Argyle Ave. N., Listowel

Ask at pharmacy counter:

  • Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

  • Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Needle exchange locations in Huron County
Location Address Date and time

Huron Perth Public Health, Clinton

77722B London Road

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

CHMA, Goderich

29 Kingston St.

Office hours may vary, call 519-271-2746 for inquiries.

Royal Oaks RX Pharmacy, Wingham

131 John St.

Monday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Disposing of needles

Learn how to safely deal with found sharps and needles. To dispose of needles, contact your local pharmacy or use one of the community sharps disposal kiosks listed below.

Kiosks take needle syringes individually or in hard plastic containers such as:

  • biohazard containers
  • bleach bottles
  • containers under 4.5 L in size
Community Sharps Disposal Kiosks in Perth County
Location Address
Town Hall, St. Marys

175 Queen St. E., St. Marys east side of building
Erie Street Parking Lot, Stratford 91 Erie St., Stratford in behind Festival Square building
West Gore Parking Lot, Stratford 653 W. Gore St., Stratford, at the back of lower parking lot
West End Pharmacy, Stratford 426 Huron St., Stratford at the side of the building
The Local Community Food Centre, Stratford 612 Erie St., Stratford
Huron Perth Centre, Listowel 570 Main St. W., Listowel, behind building
West Perth Municipal Office, Mitchell 169 St. David St., Mitchell available near the left side of the building
Community Sharps Disposal Kiosks in Huron County
Location Address
Huron Perth Public Health, Clinton 77722B London Road, Clinton
Mid-Huron Recycling Centre, Clinton 37506A Huron Road, Clinton open Tuesday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed on statutory holidays.
South Huron Municipal Office, Exeter 322 Main Street S., Exeter
Alice Munro Public Library, Wingham 281 Edward St., Wingham

Helpful Resources

Experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, mental health, or gambling?

  • To find local addiction and mental health services call CMHA Huron Perth – Addiction and Mental Health Services at 519-271-6730 | 1-877-218-0077
    • ConnexOntario provides free & confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol & drugs, mental illness or gambling, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week 1-866-531-2600.
  • The National Overdose Response Service (NORS) at 1-888-688-6677
    • NORS is an overdose prevention hotline for Canadians providing confidential and nonjudgmental support, whenever and wherever you use drugs.
  • Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team offered through Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance is available to all residents of Huron and Perth Counties, who are experiencing a mental health crisis at 1-888-829-7484.
    • The Huron Perth Helpline & Crisis Response Team provides crisis assessments, brief crisis therapy, education about mental health and addiction services, and treatment referrals.
    • This service is offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the helpline and in-person assessments.