
Collectively taking care of our community through harm reduction
registration no.
1142533828address
505 rue Wellington sud, Sherbroke,Quebec, Canada, J1H 4Z5active in
CanadaI.R.I.S Estrie is a non-profit organization located in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Our main mission is to prevent STBBIs (sexually transmitted and blood borne infections) and HIV among the population, especially among the communities that are at a higher risk such as young people aged 15 to 25 years old, sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), the 2SLGBTQIA+, substance users (through injection, inhalation or intranasally) and vulnerable populations like people experiencing homelessness or social isolation. We are aware that the populations we reach out to can have different needs and would thus require different types of approaches. This is why our services are divided by population. A psychosocial worker is dedicated for each one. For example, there is a designated staff for sex workers and another for substance users. As we notice a rise in STBBIs across the region due to various factors, our work proves to be even more important nowadays. In order to achieve our mission, we provide free condoms, lubricants, dental dams, sterile/clean substance use materials (syringes, maxi-cups, smoking pipes, etc.). We also hold kiosks and lectures at various events, schools, universities and other community organizations as a means to spread awareness of STBBIs and their health impact, reduce stigma and show the importance of getting tested regularly. In partnership with the nurses of our local public clinic (CLSC), we also offer STBBIs testing every Wednesday for the communities that are at higher risk and are less likely to use the public services such as substance users and sex workers. This type of clinic can be appealing since it is anonymous and doesn't require them to have a healthcare insurance card to show. However, we make sure to refer anyone who is not eligible for our clinic to the right place where they can get tests done. Besides STBBIs and HIV prevention, our work is also focused on overdose prevention. Sadly, the opioid crisis is wreaking havoc in the region as well. Whether they've been using for a while or a first time user at an after-party, overdoses spare no one, no matter the age or the background. Lots of substances bought on the black market end up being contaminated with fentanyl or other strong opioids, so the person consuming it never truly knows what their drug contains. This is why we offer fentanyl test kits and naloxone doses for free. We raise awareness about opioids and overdose when we hold the kiosks and lectures as well. We teach people how to use the fentanyl test kit and how to administer naloxone. Inside the organization is a supervised consumption site that provides a safe, clean space for people to bring their own drugs to use, in the presence of trained staff. We monitor their health in case of an overdose and act accordingly. When needed, we offer advice on better practices such as changing syringes after one use and how to properly find a vein. Parallel to STBBI and overdose prevention, we hold activities to reduce social isolation and loneliness such as community dinners, coffee chats and group discussions two times a week. Specifically for the 2SLGBTQIA+, we offer two support groups every month where they get together with a psychosocial worker and they talk about various themes.